NewzIntel.com

Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Inquest scheduled into the death of Jason Elwyn Koehler

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Media Contacts

    Amber Schinkel

    Manager
    Strategic Communications and Media Relations
    BC Coroners Service
    amber.schinkel@gov.bc.ca
    236 969-1759

    https://news.gov.bc.ca/31757

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple Intelligence is available today on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple Intelligence is available today on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

    October 28, 2024

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple Intelligence is available today on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

    Users can now tap into Apple Intelligence to refine their writing; summarize notifications, mail, and messages; experience a more natural and capable Siri; remove distracting objects from images with Clean Up; and more

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced the first set of Apple Intelligence features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users is now available through a free software update with the release of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that harnesses the power of Apple silicon to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI. Today marks the availability of the first set of features, with many more rolling out in the coming months.

    “Apple Intelligence introduces a new era for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, delivering brand-new experiences and tools that will transform what our users can accomplish,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Apple Intelligence builds on years of innovation in AI and machine learning to put Apple’s generative models at the core of our devices, giving our users a personal intelligence system that is easy to use — all while protecting their privacy. Apple Intelligence is generative AI in a way that only Apple can deliver, and we’re incredibly excited about its ability to enrich our users’ lives.”

    “Apple Intelligence unlocks exciting new capabilities that make your iPhone, iPad, and Mac even more helpful and useful, from Writing Tools to help refine your writing, to summarized notifications that surface what’s most important, to the ability to search for almost anything in your photos and videos by simply describing it,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “And it’s all built on a foundation of privacy with on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute, a groundbreaking new approach that extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to protect users’ information. We are thrilled to bring the first set of Apple Intelligence features to users today, and this is just the beginning.”

    Systemwide Writing Tools

    Deeply integrated across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, Writing Tools allow users to refine their language by rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text virtually everywhere they write, including Mail, Messages, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.

    With Rewrite, Apple Intelligence allows users to choose from different versions of what they have written, and adjust the tone — professional, concise, or friendly — to suit the audience and task at hand. Proofread checks grammar, word choice, and sentence structure while also suggesting edits — along with explanations of the edits — that users can review or quickly accept. Users can also select text and have it summarized in the form of a digestible paragraph, bulleted key points, a table, or a list.

    More Natural and Conversational Siri

    Siri becomes more natural, flexible, and deeply integrated into the system experience. It has a brand-new design with an elegant glowing light that wraps around the edge of the screen when active on iPhone, iPad, or CarPlay. On Mac, users can place Siri anywhere on their desktop to access it easily as they work. Users can type to Siri at any time on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and can switch fluidly between text and voice as they use Siri to accelerate everyday tasks. With richer language-understanding capabilities, Siri can follow along when users stumble over their words and maintain context from one request to the next. In addition, with extensive product knowledge, Siri can now answer thousands of questions about the features and settings of Apple products. Users can learn everything from how to take a screen recording to how to easily share a Wi-Fi password.

    More Intelligent Photos App

    The Photos app is even more intelligent with many new capabilities. Natural language search gives users the ability to search for just about anything by simply describing what they are looking for, like “Maya skateboarding in a tie-dye shirt.” This works across videos, too, so users can search for something that happened in a specific segment of the video and go right to it. Search also offers smart completion suggestions to help users quickly complete a search.

    For those times when an unwanted object or person ends up in the frame of a photo, the Clean Up tool gives users a way to remove distracting elements while staying true to the moment as they intended to capture it.

    The Memories feature now gives users the ability to create the movies they want to see by simply typing a description.1 Using language and image understanding, Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos based on a user’s description, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc.

    New Ways to Prioritize and Stay Focused

    Staying on top of emails has never been easier. Priority Messages, a new section at the top of the inbox in Mail, shows the most urgent emails, like a same-day invitation to lunch or a boarding pass. Across their inbox, users can see summaries without needing to open a message, and for long threads, they can tap or click Summarize to view pertinent details. Additionally, Smart Reply provides suggestions for a quick response and will identify questions in an email to ensure everything is answered.

    Apple Intelligence helps users prioritize and stay in the moment with notification summaries that allow users to scan long or stacked notifications with key details right on the Lock Screen, such as when a group chat is particularly active. A new Focus, Reduce Interruptions, surfaces only the notifications that might need immediate attention.

    In the Notes and Phone apps, users can now record, transcribe, and summarize audio. When a recording is initiated while on a call in the Phone app, participants are automatically notified, and once the call ends, Apple Intelligence generates a summary to help recall key points.

    Many More Features to Come

    New Apple Intelligence features will be available in December, with additional capabilities rolling out in the coming months.

    Apple Intelligence will add new ways for users to express themselves visually. Emoji will be taken to an entirely new level with the ability to create original Genmoji by simply typing a description, and can also be personalized using a photo of a friend or family member. Image Playground will allow users to create playful images in moments. Image Wand will make notes more visually engaging by turning rough sketches into delightful images. When a user circles an empty space, Image Wand will create an image using context from the surrounding area.

    In December, Writing Tools will get even more powerful with the ability for users to describe a specific change they want to apply to their text, like making a dinner party invite read like a poem, or adding more dynamic action words to a résumé. And users will have the option to access ChatGPT’s broad world knowledge within Writing Tools and Siri, allowing them to benefit from its image- and document-understanding capabilities without needing to jump between tools.

    Also coming in December, a new visual intelligence experience will build on Apple Intelligence and help users learn about objects and places instantly, thanks to the new Camera Control on the iPhone 16 lineup.2 Users will be able to pull up details about a restaurant in front of them and interact with information — for example, translating text from one language to another.3 Camera Control will also serve as a gateway to third-party tools with specific domain expertise, like when users want to search Google for where they can buy an item, or benefit from ChatGPT’s problem-solving skills. Users are in control of when third-party tools are used and what information is shared.

    In the months to come, Priority Notifications will surface what’s most important, and Siri will become even more capable, with the ability to draw on a user’s personal context to deliver intelligence that’s tailored to them. Siri will also gain onscreen awareness, as well as be able to take hundreds of new actions in and across Apple and third-party apps.

    Breakthrough Privacy Protections

    Designed to protect users’ privacy at every step, Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power it run entirely on device. For requests that require more processing power, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of Apple devices into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill their request. In a first for the industry, independent experts can inspect the code that runs on Apple silicon servers to continuously verify this privacy promise — an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI.

    Users can choose whether or not to enable the ChatGPT integration, which is available as part of using Siri, Writing Tools, or visual intelligence with Camera Control. Users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. For those who choose to connect their account, OpenAI’s data-use policies apply.

    Availability

    • The first set of Apple Intelligence features is available now as a free software update with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, and can be accessed in most regions around the world when the device and Siri language are set to U.S. English.
    • Apple Intelligence is quickly adding support for more languages. In December, Apple Intelligence will be available for localized English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K., and in April, a software update will deliver expanded language support, with more coming throughout the year. Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other languages will be supported.
    • Apple Intelligence is available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad with A17 Pro or M1 and later, and Mac with M1 and later.

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

    1. Create a Memory Movie is available on iPhone and iPad, and will be available on Mac in the coming months.
    2. Camera Control is available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
    3. Information about places of interest will be available in the U.S. to start, with support for additional regions in the months to come.

    Press Contacts

    Nadine Haija

    Apple

    nhaija@apple.com

    Jacqueline Roy

    Apple

    jacqueline_roy@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple introduces new iMac supercharged by M4 and Apple Intelligence

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple introduces new iMac supercharged by M4 and Apple Intelligence

    October 28, 2024

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple unveils the new iMac with M4, supercharged by Apple Intelligence and available in fresh colors

    The world’s best all-in-one desktop features even more performance, a nano-texture display option, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity — all in a strikingly thin design

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced the new iMac, featuring the powerful M4 chip and Apple Intelligence, in its stunning, ultra-thin design. With M4, iMac is up to 1.7x faster for daily productivity, and up to 2.1x faster for demanding workflows like photo editing and gaming, compared to iMac with M1.1 With the Neural Engine in M4, iMac is the world’s best all-in-one for AI and is built for Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that transforms how users work, communicate, and express themselves, while protecting their privacy. The new iMac is available in an array of beautiful new colors, and the 24-inch 4.5K Retina display offers a new nano-texture glass option.2 iMac features a new 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports,3 and color-matched accessories that include USB-C. Starting at just $1,299, now with 16GB of unified memory, the new iMac is available to pre-order today, with availability beginning Friday, November 8.

    “iMac is beloved by millions of users, from families at home to entrepreneurs hard at work. With the incredible features of Apple Intelligence and the powerful performance of Apple silicon, the new iMac changes the game once again,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “With M4 and Apple Intelligence, gorgeous new colors that pop in any space, an advanced 12MP Center Stage camera, and a new nano-texture glass display option, it’s a whole new era for iMac.”

    Supercharged by M4

    The M4 chip brings a boost in performance to iMac. Featuring a more capable CPU with the world’s fastest CPU core,4 the new iMac is up to 1.7x faster than iMac with M1. Users will feel this performance across everyday activities like multitasking between their favorite apps and browsing webpages in Safari. And with an immensely powerful GPU featuring Apple’s most advanced graphics architecture, iMac with M4 handles more intense workloads like photo editing and gaming up to 2.1x faster than iMac with M1. This also enables a smoother gameplay experience in titles like the upcoming Civilization VII. The new iMac comes standard with 16GB of faster unified memory — configurable up to 32GB. The Neural Engine in M4 is now over 3x faster than on iMac with M1, making it the world’s best all-in-one for AI, and accelerating the pace at which users can get things done.

    M4 takes iMac performance even further:

    • Families, small businesses, and entrepreneurs can fly through daily productivity tasks with up to 1.7x faster performance1 in apps like Microsoft Excel, and up to 1.5x faster browsing performance5 in Safari compared to iMac with M1.
    • Gamers can enjoy incredibly smooth gameplay, with up to 2x higher frame rates5 than on iMac with M1.
    • Content creators can edit like never before, with up to 2.1x faster photo and video editing performance when applying complex filters and effects in apps like Adobe Photoshop1 and Adobe Premiere Pro5 compared to iMac with M1.
    • Compared to the most popular 24-inch all-in-one PC with the latest Intel Core 7 processor, the new iMac is up to 4.5x faster.1
    • Compared to the most popular Intel-based iMac model, the new iMac is up to 6x faster.1

    A New Era with Apple Intelligence on the Mac

    Apple Intelligence ushers in a new era for the Mac, bringing personal intelligence to the personal computer. Combining powerful generative models with industry-first privacy protections, Apple Intelligence harnesses the power of Apple silicon and the Neural Engine to unlock new ways for users to work, communicate, and express themselves on Mac. It is available in U.S. English with macOS Sequoia 15.1. With systemwide Writing Tools, users can refine their words by rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text nearly everywhere they write. With the newly redesigned Siri, users can move fluidly between spoken and typed requests to accelerate tasks throughout their day, and Siri can answer thousands of questions about Mac and other Apple products. New Apple Intelligence features will be available in December, with additional capabilities rolling out in the coming months. Image Playground gives users a new way to create fun original images, and Genmoji allows them to create custom emoji in seconds. Siri will become even more capable, with the ability to take actions across the system and draw on a user’s personal context to deliver intelligence that is tailored to them. In December, ChatGPT will be integrated into Siri and Writing Tools, allowing users to access its expertise without needing to jump between tools.

    Apple Intelligence does all this while protecting users’ privacy at every step. At its core is on-device processing, and for more complex tasks, Private Cloud Compute gives users access to Apple’s even larger, server-based models and offers groundbreaking protections for personal information. In addition, users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. For those who choose to connect their account, OpenAI’s data-use policies apply.

    Array of Gorgeous New Colors

    The new iMac comes in seven vibrant colors, bringing fresh shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and blue, alongside silver. The back of iMac features bold colors designed to stand out, while the front expresses subtle shades of the new palette so users can focus on doing their best work. Every iMac comes with a color-matched Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse or optional Magic Trackpad, all of which now feature a USB-C port, so users can charge their favorite devices with a single cable.

    New Nano-Texture Display Option

    The expansive 24-inch 4.5K Retina display on iMac is its highest-rated feature, and for the first time, it’s available with a nano-texture glass option that drastically reduces reflections and glare, while maintaining outstanding image quality.2 With nano-texture glass, users can place iMac in even more spaces, such as a sun-drenched living room or bright storefront.

    Enhanced Video Calls with 12MP Center Stage Camera

    A new 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View makes video calls even more engaging. Center Stage keeps everyone perfectly centered on a video call — great for families gathered on FaceTime. Desk View makes use of the wide-angle lens to simultaneously show the user and a top-down view of their desk, which is useful for educators presenting a lesson to students, or creators showing off their latest DIY project. Rounding out the unrivaled audio and video experience is the beloved studio-quality three-microphone array with beamforming and an immersive six-speaker sound system.

    Advanced Connectivity

    On the new iMac, all four USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 4 for superfast data transfers, so users can connect even more accessories like external storage, docks, and up to two 6K external displays, creating a massive canvas with more than 50M pixels for users to spread out their work.3 iMac also supports both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. And with the advanced security of Touch ID, users can easily and securely unlock their computer, make online purchases with Apple Pay, and download apps.6 Additionally, Touch ID works with Fast User Switching, so customers can switch between different user profiles with just the press of a finger.

    An Unrivaled Experience with macOS Sequoia

    macOS Sequoia completes the new iMac experience with a host of exciting features, including iPhone Mirroring, allowing users to wirelessly interact with their iPhone, its apps, and its notifications directly from their Mac.7 Safari, the world’s fastest browser,8 now offers Highlights, which quickly pulls up relevant information from a site; a smarter, redesigned Reader with a table of contents and high-level summary; and a new Video Viewer to watch videos without distractions. With Distraction Control, users can hide items on a webpage that they may find disruptive to their browsing. Gaming gets even more immersive with features like Personalized Spatial Audio and improvements to Game Mode, along with a breadth of exciting titles, including the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Easier window tiling means users can stay organized with a windows layout that works best for them. The all-new Passwords app gives convenient access to passwords, passkeys, and other credentials, all stored in one place. And users can apply beautiful new built-in backgrounds for video calls, including a variety of color gradients and system wallpapers, or upload their own photos.

    Better for the Environment

    The new iMac with M4 is designed with the environment in mind, with 100 percent recycled aluminum in the stand, and 100 percent recycled gold plating, tin soldering, and copper in multiple printed circuit boards. iMac meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency, and is free of mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC. New this year, the packaging of iMac is entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal to remove plastic from its packaging by 2025.

    Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations and, as part of its ambitious Apple 2030 goal, plans to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade.

    Pricing and Availability

    • Customers can pre-order the new iMac with M4 starting today, October 28, on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in 28 countries and regions, including the U.S. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, beginning Friday, November 8.
    • iMac starts at $1,299 (U.S.) and $1,249 (U.S.) for education, and is available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. It features an 8-core CPU, an 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory configurable up to 24GB, 256GB SSD configurable up to 1TB, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
    • iMac with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU starts at $1,499 (U.S.) and $1,399 (U.S.) for education, and is available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. It features 16GB of unified memory configurable up to 32GB, 256GB SSD configurable up to 2TB, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
    • Additional technical specifications — including the nano-texture display option, configure-to-order options, and accessories — are available at apple.com/mac.
    • With Apple Trade In, customers can trade in their current computer and get credit toward a new Mac. Customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in to see what their device is worth.
    • Apple Intelligence is available now as a free software update for Mac with M1 and later, and can be accessed in most regions around the world when the device and Siri language are set to U.S. English. The first set of features is in beta and available with macOS Sequoia 15.1, with more features rolling out in the months to come.
    • Apple Intelligence is quickly adding support for more languages. In December, Apple Intelligence will add support for localized English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K., and in April, a software update will deliver expanded language support, with more coming throughout the year. Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other languages will be supported.
    • AppleCare+ for Mac provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know Mac best.
    • Every customer who buys directly from Apple Retail gets access to Personal Setup. In these guided online sessions, a Specialist can walk them through setup, or focus on features that help them make the most of their new device. Customers can also learn more about getting started with their new device with a Today at Apple session at their nearest Apple Store.

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

    1. Testing was conducted by Apple in September and October 2024. See apple.com/imac for more information.
    2. Actual diagonal screen measurement is 23.5 inches. Nano-texture display is an option on models with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
    3. All four USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 4 on models with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
    4. Testing was conducted by Apple in October 2024 using shipping competitive systems and select industry-standard benchmarks.
    5. Results are compared to previous-generation 24-inch iMac systems with Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD.
    6. iMac with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU can configure to Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad, and iMac with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU comes standard with Touch ID.
    7. Available on Mac computers with Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers with a T2 Security Chip. Requires that the user’s iPhone and Mac are signed in with the same Apple Account using two-factor authentication, their iPhone and Mac are near each other and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on, and their Mac is not using AirPlay or Sidecar. Some iPhone features (e.g., camera and microphone) are not compatible with iPhone Mirroring.
    8. Testing was conducted by Apple in August 2024. See apple.com/safari for more information.

    Press Contacts

    Michelle Del Rio

    Apple

    mr_delrio@apple.com

    Starlayne Meza

    Apple

    starlayne_meza@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Edmonton — Alberta Operational Communications Centres reduce response times across the province

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    This month, the Alberta RCMP marks OCCtober, a campaign in which we recognize the hard work of our Operational Communications Centres (OCC) and the impact that OCC operators have on the province of Alberta every day. Through their hard work and the development of new programs for crime reporting, the OCC’s response time is faster than ever. Currently, 97% of all calls are answered in under 2 minutes, with 87% of calls being answered in under 1 minute.

    OCC employees are a vital part of the RCMP. Day and night, 365 days a year, they are there to reassure the public when they call 911, direct officers during crisis situations, and help ensure the safety of Alberta’s police by monitoring their movements while they are out in the field.

    Ensuring officers respond to emergency calls rapidly is one of the Alberta RCMP’s top priorities, and a quick response by the OCC is the first step in the process. After receiving and evaluating each call, officers are dispatched based on the seriousness of the report. Reports of crime where there is an immediate threat to life and safety will be prioritized over crime that is discovered after it’s been committed and does not pose an immediate threat to public safety.

    The Alberta RCMP is responsible for policing 99% of Alberta’s landscape, covering over 660,000 square kilometers across the province. Despite the large jurisdiction, frequently in remote, rural regions, the average response time of the Alberta RCMP is only 21.20 minutes; 56.6% of calls are responded to within 20 minutes, with 15.4% of high priority calls being responded to in approximately five minutes. By triaging calls, and coordinating the deployment of officers across the province, the Alberta RCMP ensures that the officers closest to an emergency are responding, regardless of the detachment they belong to or the unit they are assigned to.

    There are several ways that the public can help their Alberta RCMP continue to reduce response times and keep their communities safe. Whether it is an emergency or not, report all crime in your community. Having a clear picture of crime across the province helps ensure the RCMP is allocating resources appropriately. If you are reporting a non-emergency, please contact your local detachment in person or over the phone. You can also report non-emergency crimes online on the RCMP webpage. For emergencies, always call 911 and our OCC operators will be there to help.

    Alberta RCMP Response Time Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_pk1rR4AVQ

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Edmonton — Alberta RCMP offer safety tips for all ghouls and ghosts this Halloween

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    It’s October and we all know what that brings: changing leaves, everything pumpkin spice, and, of course, Halloween. On Halloween we can expect to see goblins, ghouls, monsters, and superheroes in the streets trick or treating. Whether you’re going from house to house, driving to a fellow ghoul’s for a ghastly get together, or staying inside to avoid things that go bump in the night, we can all do our part to ensure the safety of each other.

    This Halloween, the Alberta RCMP offers the following safety tips to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.

    Tips for trick-or-treaters:

    • Wear bright coloured costumes and use reflective tape or glow sticks to be more visible to drivers.
    • Use a flashlight and stay in well-lit areas.
    • Wear make-up instead of a mask. Masks can impair your vision and hearing. If you wear a mask, remove while walking from house to house and crossing streets.
    • Always walk on sidewalks.
    • Stay on one side of the street and only cross the street where safe to do so. Do not crisscross back-and-forth across roads or traffic.
    • Stay on the doorstep or sidewalk. Never go inside the home or car of someone you don’t know.
    • Travel in groups if you are unsupervised.

    Tips for adults:

    • Keep porch lights, or external security lights, on.
    • Keep doors clear and accessible. Avoid decorations that pose a tripping hazard.
    • Do not invite children inside your home.
    • Make sure to inspect your children’s candy for any signs of tampering or unwrapped items.
    • Only pass out commercially wrapped candy and snacks.
    • Keep pets indoors as they may be easily scared by children in costumes.
    • If you are going to be attending a party this Halloween, do not drink and drive or take substances from people you don’t know and trust.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government strongly condemns US lawmakers’ attempt through a so-called “bill” to intimidate HKSAR personnel safeguarding national security

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (January 25) strongly condemned those United States (US) lawmakers again requesting a review, through a so-called “bill”, of including a number of HKSARG officials, and a number of judges and prosecutors, in a so-called list of “sanctions” in an attempt to intimidate the HKSAR personnel concerned who safeguard national security, as well as the unfounded and biased remarks which deliberately misled the public and smeared the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL). 

         A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “It is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR to safeguard national security. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states. Many common law jurisdictions, including western countries such as the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as Singapore, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation to safeguard national security. Turning a blind eye to the fact and making exaggerated remarks, the US politicians have demonstrated typical political hegemony and hypocrisy with double standards.”

         “While the ‘black-clad violence’ and the Hong Kong version of ‘colour revolution’ back in 2019 severely damaged the social stability of Hong Kong, the implementation of the NSL in the past four years has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to swiftly resume as normal and the business environment to be restored and improved continuously. In the Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report, Hong Kong ranks as the world’s freest economies among 165 economies. In the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, Hong Kong’s ranking improved by two places to fifth globally. However, those US politicians insist on turning a blind eye to all these facts, and even clamour for so-called ‘sanctions’ against the HKSAR personnel who dutifully safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns their political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all.

         The spokesperson pointed out, “The HKSAR despises any so-called ‘sanctions’ and shall never be intimidated. It shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”

         The spokesperson also pointed out that, “Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The legal framework in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR is in line with relevant international human rights standards. The NSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to the HKSAR are protected in accordance with the law.”

         “The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all prosecution decisions made based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.

         “The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the entities involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.
          
         “The judicial system of the HKSAR has always been highly regarded by international communities. Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.”

         The spokesman reiterated, “The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the NSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: 14-month sentence for an engineering executive charged with rigging bids for Québec City contracts

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On October 25, André Côté, a former executive for engineering firm Roche ltée, Groupe-conseil (now Norda Stelo), received a 14-month conditional sentence, consisting of seven months of house arrest and a seven-month curfew. He will also have to complete 100 hours of community service.

    October 28, 2024 – GATINEAU, QC – Competition Bureau

    On October 25, André Côté, a former executive for engineering firm Roche ltée, Groupe-conseil (now Norda Stelo), received a 14-month conditional sentence, consisting of seven months of house arrest and a seven-month curfew. He will also have to complete 100 hours of community service.

    Mr. Côté was charged with participating in a bid-rigging scheme for Québec City contracts between 2006 and 2010. He pleaded guilty on June 21 before the Court of Quebec, admitting to conspiring to divide up Québec City municipal infrastructure contracts among seven other engineering-consulting firms while he was vice-president of infrastructure for Roche in Québec.

    Charges were also brought against a second individual in the same case in November 2023, and legal proceedings are still ongoing against him.

    • Following an investigation by the Competition Bureau, criminal charges were brought in November 2023 against two former executives of engineering-consulting firms, André Côté and Patrice Mathieu, for conspiracy to rig bids, conspiracy to commit fraud, and fraud over $5,000.

    • Mr. Côté’s former employer, Roche ltée, Groupe-conseil (now Norda Stelo Inc.), had to pay $750,000 under a settlement reached by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for rigging bids for municipal infrastructure contracts in Québec, including in Québec City.

    • Six other engineering-consulting firms, namely, Dessau, Genivar (now WSP Canada), SNC-Lavalin, CIMA+, BPR and Teknika HBA inc. (now EXP Services Inc.), have also reached settlement agreements with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for bid-rigging municipal infrastructure contracts in Quebec, including in Québec City. The total amount of these settlements amounts to over 12 million dollars.

    • The Competition Bureau investigation was launched following an immunity application from AECOM Consultants Inc. submitted through its immunity and leniency program.

    • When the Bureau receives evidence that a criminal offence has occurred, it refers the case to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC). The PPSC then decides whether charges should be laid and has authority over any resulting prosecution.

    • Bid-rigging is a criminal offence under the Canadian Competition Act.

    • The Bureau strongly encourages anyone who suspects a company or individual of being involved in illegal agreements, such as bid-rigging, price-fixing, market allocation, restricting supply, or wage-fixing and no-poaching agreements, to report it through its online complaint form.

    The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on Georgia parliamentary election

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, Global Affairs Canada issued the following statement on the parliamentary election in Georgia: “As a friend, partner and longstanding supporter of Georgia, Canada notes the official results of the October 26, 2024, parliamentary election as announced by the country’s central election commission.

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Today, Global Affairs Canada issued the following statement on the parliamentary election in Georgia:

    “As a friend, partner and longstanding supporter of Georgia, Canada notes the official results of the October 26, 2024, parliamentary election as announced by the country’s central election commission.

    “However, Canada is concerned with widespread acts of voter intimidation, vote buying and other election day irregularities reported by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and other impartial observers. This must be investigated and addressed. Canada strongly believes that free, fair, and independent elections are the cornerstone of a democratic society.

    “In coordination with our G7 and European partners, and in light of the conduct and results of this election, Canada will reassess its relationship with the Georgian leadership. Canada remains open to cooperation with Georgia, as long as the Georgian leadership respects democracy, human rights, rule of law and addresses the recent democratic backsliding.

    “We call for calm by all parties and for the Georgian authorities to respect the rights and security of individuals in the context of peaceful protests.

    “We commend Georgians for actively participating in the election process, including as voters, polling staff and citizen observers.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Carberry Bus Crash First Responders Inducted into Order of the Buffalo Hunt

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 28, 2024

    Carberry Bus Crash First Responders Inducted into Order of the Buffalo Hunt

    Premier Wab Kinew awarded one of Manitoba’s highest honours, the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, to the first responders of the Carberry bus crash to recognize their bravery and courage following a tragic collision, which took the lives of 17 Manitobans on June 15, 2023.

    “We want to honour those whose valour and heroism helped to embody the best of Manitobans,” said Kinew. “When we think of the first responders and how they stepped up and answered the call that day and in a moment of challenge or a moment of danger, they went towards the crisis instead of running away.”

    A total of 134 first responders were inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt following a ceremony held today at the Legislative Building. First responders from the Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire Department, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, Neepawa Volunteer Fire Department, Shared Health Emergency Response Services, STARS air ambulance and Manitoba RCMP, as well as provincial call takers and dispatchers, were inducted. Pilots and medical staff who were on board two Saskatchewan government fixed-wing air ambulance (Lifeguard) flights that responded and transported patients from Brandon to Winnipeg were also inducted.

    Keith Loney, fire chief of the Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire and Rescue, Yves Guillas, fire chief of the Neepawa Volunteer Fire Department, Terry Parlow, chief, and Kevin Garrioch of Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, and Ryan Schenk and Grant Winder from the Office of the Fire Commissioner were on hand to accept the framed certificate and statuette on behalf of all recipients.

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Saint John

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    Saint John, New Brunswick, October 28, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay; Her Worship Donna Noade Reardon, Mayor of the City of Saint John; and Dr. Sandra Bell, Saint John Theatre Company Board Chair.

    Date:        
     Tuesday, October 29, 2024

    Time:       
     1:30 p.m. ADT

    Location: 
     Saint John County Courthouse (tent behind the building)
    22 Sydney Street
    Saint John, NB, E2L 2L8

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.Ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Stephen Tobias
    Executive Director
    Saint John Theatre Company
    506-654-0532
    stephen@saintjohntheatrecompany.com

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian-led high seas mission finds illegal harvesting of shark fins and “dark vessels” in North Pacific

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, the fishery officers and crew of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Sir Wilfrid Laurier made a safe return to port in Victoria, B.C., having successfully completed this year’s mission to detect and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the North-Pacific. This is a region integral to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, under which Canada is committed to upholding its international obligations.

    October 28, 2024

    Ottawa, ON – Today, the fishery officers and crew of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Sir Wilfrid Laurier made a safe return to port in Victoria, B.C., having successfully completed this year’s mission to detect and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the North-Pacific. This is a region integral to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, under which Canada is committed to upholding its international obligations.

    The mission, known as Operation North Pacific Guard (Op.NPG), is an annual, multi-national effort to coordinate fisheries enforcement to protect global fish stocks. Led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) fishery officers and supported by personnel from the Canadian Coast Guard, Op.NPG includes high seas patrols, air surveillance, and satellite monitoring. Additional support was provided by officers from the United States Coast Guard and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.   

    Over the course of Op.NPG, officers and support personnel patrolled approximately 20,000 km while onboard Canada’s CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, a high endurance, multi-purpose vessel that is also a light icebreaker, and is newly biofuel capable.

    While at sea, fishery officers conducted inspections under international law of 15 fishing vessels. Fishery officers found illegally harvested shark fins, evidence of fishing during a closed season and unreported catch, and documented instances of marine pollution In addition, DFO found a number of vessels with their monitoring systems switched off –commonly referred to as “dark vessels”. The boardings also presented Canadian officers with their first opportunity to enforce the newly adopted ban on Pacific salmon retention, which has been in force for North Pacific fishing fleets since this July.

    Complementing the monitoring and enforcement by sea, Canada conducted daily aerial surveillance this summer out of Hokkaido, Japan. In collaboration with fishery officers from Japan and South Korea, DFO fishery officers and air crew flew a total of 50,419 nautical miles over the course of 34 patrols, and visually inspected 407 vessels. Fishery officers reported incidents of shark finning, the targeted harvest of dolphins, pollution incidents, and vessel marking violations.

    Canada is now working with the appropriate flag states to support further investigations and sanctions on offending vessels.

    This year’s Op.NPG mission also marked two firsts for the CCG: the first port visit of a Canadian Coast Guard vessel to Japan, and the first use of an eco-friendlier blend of renewable diesel, biodiesel, and conventional diesel, marking a significant step toward a greener, low-carbon fleet.

    The Government of Canada will continue to take action to support law-abiding harvesters, including collaborating with our international partners to safeguard global marine ecosystems.

    Andrew Richardson
    Acting Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
    andrew.richardson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Announces STEM Engagement Lead, Chief Economist Retirements

    Source: NASA

    NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Monday Mike Kincaid, associate administrator, Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM), and Alexander MacDonald, chief economist, will retire from the agency.
    Following Kincaid’s departure on Nov. 30, Kris Brown, deputy associate administrator for strategy and integration in OSTEM, will serve as acting associate administrator for that office beginning Dec. 1, and after MacDonald’s departure on Dec. 31, research economist Dr. Akhil Rao from NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy will serve as acting chief economist.
    “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Mike Kincaid and Alex MacDonald for their service to NASA and our country,” said Nelson. “Both have been essential members of the NASA team – Mike since his first days as an intern at Johnson Space Center and Alex in his many roles at the agency. I look forward to working with Kris Brown and Dr. Akhil Rao in their acting roles and wish Mike and Alex all the best in retirement.”
    As associate administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, Kincaid led the agency’s efforts to inspire and engage Artemis Generation students and educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He also chaired NASA’s STEM Board, which assesses the agency’s STEM engagement functions and activities, as well as served as a member of Federal Coordination in STEM, a multiagency committee focused on enhancing STEM education efforts across the federal government. In addition, Kincaid was NASA’s representative on the International Space Education Board, leading global collaboration in space education, sharing best practices, and uniting efforts to foster interest in space, science, and technology among students worldwide.
    Having served at NASA for more than 37 years, Kincaid first joined the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston as an intern in 1987, and eventually led organizations at Johnson in various capacities including, director of education, deputy director of human resources, deputy chief financial officer and director of external relations. Kincaid earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and a master’s degree from University of Houston, Clear Lake.
    MacDonald served as the first chief economist at NASA. He was previously the senior economic advisor in the Office of the Administrator, as well as the founding program executive of NASA’s Emerging Space Office within the Office of the Chief Technologist. MacDonald has made significant contributions to the development of NASA’s Artemis and Moon to Mars strategies, NASA’s strategy for commercial low Earth orbit development, NASA’s Earth Information Center, and served as the program executive for the International Space Station National Laboratory, leading it through significant leadership changes. He also is the author and editor of several NASA reports, including “Emerging Space: The Evolving Landscape of 21st Century American Spaceflight,” “Public-Private Partnerships for Space Capability Development,” “Economic Development of Low Earth Orbit,” and NASA’s biennial Economic Impact Report.
    As chief economist, MacDonald has guided NASA’s economic strategy, including increasing engagement with commercial space companies, and influenced the agency’s understanding of space as an engine of economic growth. MacDonald began his career at NASA’s Ames Research Center in the Mission Design Center, and served at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as an executive staff specialist on commercial space before moving to NASA Headquarters. MacDonald received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Queen’s University in Canada, his master’s degree in economics from the University of British Columbia, and obtained his doctorate on the long-run economic history of American space exploration from the University of Oxford.
    For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Meira Bernstein / Abbey DonaldsonHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov / abbey.a.donaldson@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Alberta’s impending anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation is stoking fear and anxiety

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Corinne L. Mason, Professor, Women’s and Gender Studies, Mount Royal University

    The Alberta Legislature has reconvened for its fall sitting, and the United Conservative Party is expected to table new anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation that will restrict trans women and girls’ access to sports, curtail inclusive education and ban youth from accessing gender affirming care.

    Some of the potential measures include banning puberty blockers for youth, and having parents opt-in for their children to be present for formal lessons on sexual health. In addition, trans women could be banned from competing in women’s sports.

    In February, when Alberta Premier Danielle Smith first announced these policies, she was riding the wave of the “parental rights” movement. Smith framed these policies as the government protecting children from harm, telling the media that she was “sympathetic to parents who want to preserve the innocence of their kids for as long as they can.”

    The parental rights movement has reintroduced homophobic and transphobic narratives from the 1970s that position 2SLGBTQIA+ people as pedophiles and “groomers” who “recruit” children. According to parental rights proponents, kids have to be protected from “gender indoctrination.” This hate movement has led to violent attacks against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, such as bomb threats targeting drag performers at library storytimes.

    Despite growing awareness that “parental rights” proponents are connected to a larger network of dangerous hate groups including the Proud Boys, The Patriot Front and the neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe, provincial conservative governments and parties in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia have introduced anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies inspired by this movement.

    As concerned parents, we have been following how the “parental rights” movement is influencing provincial government policies. As researchers, we have been publishing our analysis about the rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiments in Alberta for the past two years.

    In early 2024, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced her government will implement new policies relating to transgender youth.

    Our conversations with parents

    As the parental rights movement and associated anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation are new, scholars and other organizations are just beginning to publish findings showing the harm they have created. For example, a recently published academic study from the United States found that in states where anti-transgender laws legislation has been enacted, suicide attempts among transgender and non-binary youth have increased by up to 72 per cent.

    Academic scholarship about the impact of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation in Canada does not yet exist. This gap in knowledge motivated us to undertake a research project that could capture the experiences of parents as this new “parental rights” legislation rolls out.

    Set in Calgary, Alberta, our ongoing study involves 10 parents from 2SLGBTQIA+ families who have committed to bi-monthly focus groups over the period of a year. By facilitating conversations with parents, our aim is to track the short and long-term impacts of the anti-2SLGBTQIA+ climate in Alberta. The participants in our study are a mix of straight, cisgender, queer and trans parents. All of them are already experiencing the negative outcomes of Alberta’s move to legislate 2SLGBTQIA+ lives.

    Below, we have used pseudonyms to protect their identities.

    We held our first focus group in late September 2024 where we asked participants about their concerns related to the impending changes to education, health care and sports in the province. We also asked parents what they knew about the parental rights movement, and how the rhetoric of parental rights is affecting their families.

    One of the overwhelming sentiments of the parents was that the parental rights movement excluded parents of 2SLGBTQIA+ kids. According to our participants, voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ parents and families are missing or silenced in the conversations around “protecting children.”

    One participant, Maia, said: “There needs to be more representation of the parents especially because it’s a legislation that’s being fought on behalf of parents so we need to make our voices heard.”

    Olivia similarly stated, “I feel like people keep talking for parents. I’m a parent and you’re not saying anything I think … so I just feel very unheard.”

    When it came to parental rights, participants remarked that their parental choice to support their 2SLGBTQIA+ kids is not being protected. In fact, they felt their responsibility to protect their children from harm is being taken away by the provincial government that is making choices for their families.

    Courtney stated: “It makes me really angry that our kid’s medical care can be adjusted based on the government. I work in health care. The thought that the government could step in and get a doctor to go against evidence-based medical care is … insanity.”

    2SLGBTQIA+ youth express fear

    According to the parents in our study, the impending legislation has stoked so much fear and anxiety in their children that their school experiences have already been negatively affected. Courtney’s trans child has missed a large chunk of school since the announcement of impending anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies last February.

    Another parent, Sophia, told us that her teenager’s overall well-being has “deteriorated” since the impending legislation was announced: “She has started self harming. She is missing school. She is terrified for what’s coming … even though she knows that for her she’s somewhat protected with her HRT [hormone replacement therapy], but it doesn’t mean that they’re not going to say something about bathrooms or that her friends are safe.”

    Saskatchewan’s Conservative Premier Scott Moe recently promised to implement a new policy that would ban trans girls from school change rooms. In Alberta, the UCP’s policy resolutions for 2024 include a similar ban, but instead of focusing on schools, the party aims to remove trans women and girls from all “exclusively female spaces.”

    Our research, while preliminary, demonstrates that harmful effects are already taking shape in Alberta, and parents in 2SLGBTQIA+ families are terrified of what is coming with the legislation dropping soon.

    As we map the fallout of Alberta’s anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation over the next year, we expect to collect similar findings to that of our U.S. research counterparts who are publishing evidence that these policies are associated with adverse consequences to mental and physical well-being.

    Corinne L. Mason receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Leah Hamilton receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Alberta’s impending anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation is stoking fear and anxiety – https://theconversation.com/albertas-impending-anti-2slgbtqia-legislation-is-stoking-fear-and-anxiety-241874

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twillingate — Twillingate RCMP investigates break, enter and theft at Gary’s Irving in Summerford, man arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following a break, enter and theft that occurred on October 26, 2024, at Gary’s Irving in Summerford, 41-year-old Adam Boyde was arrested by Twillingate RCMP.

    The crime occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m. on October 26. The front door glass was smashed and a quantity of alcohol and cigarettes were stolen from inside. Evidence obtained during the investigation identified the suspect as Adam Boyde, who was arrested later that day.

    Boyde is charged with break, enter and theft and is set to appear in court at a later date.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Orezone Provides Notice of Q3-2024 Results and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (“Orezone”) will announce its third quarter 2024 results on November 5, 2024, after market close. A conference call and audio webcast to discuss the results will take place on November 6, 2024, at 8:00 am PT (11:00 am ET).

    Webcast

    Conference Call
    Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1-800-715-9871
    International callers: +646-307-1963
    Event ID: 9776163

    About Orezone Gold Corporation

    Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets and M&A.

    The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

    Patrick Downey
    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Vanessa Pickering
    Manager, Investor Relations

    Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
    info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

    For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945 8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

    The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative will support AI innovation and adoption in British Columbia

    Source: Government of Canada News

    PacifiCan funding of over $32 million will help businesses bring new technologies to market and adopt AI 

    October 28, 2024 – Burnaby, British Columbia – PacifiCan               

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformational opportunity for British Columbians. With a strong AI ecosystem – one that includes researchers developing technology, companies creating AI-based solutions to the world’s challenges, and adopters putting the power of AI to work in their operations – British Columbian businesses are well-positioned to leverage the power of AI to drive innovation across the province, creating jobs and economic growth.

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced that businesses and not-for-profit organizations will be able to apply for funding from the new Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative in British Columbia beginning November 18. In British Columbia, PacifiCan will deliver the RAII with $32.2 million, making investments that help businesses commercialize and adopt AI technologies. 

    To ensure that Canada stays at the forefront of innovation, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments that will help drive AI adoption across the country. This includes $200 million over five years for Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to deliver the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) to help businesses bring new AI technologies to market and speed up AI adoption across the country. 

    In British Columbia, PacifiCan will prioritize projects that not only have strong economic benefits but also bring positive outcomes for human health, the environment, and/or economic resilience and productivity across a wide range of sectors. PacifiCan will welcome project ideas from both businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

    PacifiCan is investing in British Columbian businesses, workers and organizations to ensure they have access to the tools they need to succeed at home and compete in the global economy.

    More information is available on PacifiCan’s web page: Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Canada.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bonaparte First Nation celebrates completion of their new water treatment plants

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 28, 2024 — Bonaparte First Nation, Secwépemc Territory, British Columbia — Indigenous Services Canada

    Today, Bonaparte First Nation proudly marked the completion of two new water treatment plants, which now provide clean drinking water to remote areas of their community.

    The newly built water treatment plants and distribution systems, located in the Lower Hat Creek area, are a significant step toward ensuring long-term, sustainable access to safe drinking water in IR#1 and IR#2 of the Bonaparte reserve. These facilities will help prevent future drinking water advisories, an issue that has affected these areas intermittently since 2004.

    Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provided $9.8 million for the feasibility studies, design and construction of the two state-of-the-art water treatment systems. In addition, Bonaparte First Nation and ISC are collaborating on further enhancements to water infrastructure in IR#3 to meet the area’s long-term water needs.

    The Government of Canada will continue to prioritize working in partnership with First Nations to ensure communities have reliable access to safe and clean drinking water.

    Quotes

    “Today we celebrate the new water treatment plant. After two long decades of persistent water advisories, our community can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to these critical upgrades. Water is a lifeline and a fundamental right. We are grateful for this investment, it ensures the health, safety and well-being of our community and for generations to come.”

    Kúkpi7 Frank Antoine
    Bonaparte First Nation

    “Decades of uncertainty are now behind us. I would like to thank and acknowledge the determined efforts of all our partners, advocates, current and past leaders who all worked tirelessly to ensure our community has access to clean water. These new water treatment facilities are a significant investment to our future.”

    Byron Porter, Water Manager
    Bonaparte First Nation

    “Water is essential and too many First Nations communities still live without clean drinking water. These new water treatment plants will play a significant role in the health and well-being of members of Bonaparte First Nation. I applaud Kúkpi7 Frank Antoine and Council, as well as the people of Bonaparte First Nation, for their leadership and dedication with these projects.”

    The Honourable Patty Hajdu
    Minister of Indigenous Services

    Quick facts

    • Bonaparte First Nation is located west of Kamloops, British Columbia.

    • The Band is a member of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) people.

    • The community has a registered population of 1,152 members.

    • The Government of Canada also invested $4.26 million in a new water system in Bonaparte First Nation IR#3 in 2020, which supported the lifting of a long-term drinking water advisory; further upgrades to the IR#3 water system are currently under discussion with the community.

    • Since 2016 and as of June 30, 2024, Indigenous Services Canada has invested $4.35 billion of targeted funds to support 1,358 water and wastewater projects, of which 637 are completed. These projects will benefit 591 communities serving approximately 476,000 people.

    • Since 2015, First Nations, with support from Indigenous Services Canada, have lifted 146 long-term drinking water advisories, and have prevented over 280 short-term advisories from becoming long-term.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information, media may contact:

    Kukpi7 Frank Antoine
    Bonaparte First Nation
    250-318-0742
    kukpi7@bonaparte.band

    Jennifer Kozelj
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
    Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
    jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

    ISC Media Relations
    819-953-1160
    media@sac-isc.gc.ca

    Stay connected

    Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

    X: @GCIndigenous
    Facebook: @GCIndigenous
    Instagram: @gcindigenous

    You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, www.isc.gc.ca/RSS.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates robbery at Skipper Joe’s, seeks public’s assistance

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP is investigating a robbery that occurred on the evening of October 27, 2024, at Skipper Joe’s store on Hamilton River Road in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

    The crime occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. A lone man, who was wearing all black clothing and gloves, entered the store wearing a black ski mask. He approached the cashier and demanded that the employee open the register. The man departed the store with the register in hand and was last seen running east along Hamilton River Road towards Juniper Street.

    The investigation is continuing. Police ask the public to check for any available surveillance footage, including dash cam footage, and to report suspicious activity.

    Anyone having information about this crime, the identity of the suspect or the current location of the cash register is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: John Nicola’s Visionary Impact Earns Hall of Fame Induction in B.C.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vancouver, BC, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nicola Wealth Management Ltd. (Nicola Wealth) is proud to announce that John Nicola, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Nicola Wealth, will be inducted into the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame. The award recognizes Mr. Nicola’s contributions to the province and Canada’s business communities and highlights his innovative approach to wealth management.

    The BLBC Hall of Fame was established by JA British Columbia (JABC) in 2005 to honour business leaders whose efforts have shaped the province and country. The Hall of Fame celebrates the lasting legacy these leaders leave for future generations.

    Since founding Nicola Wealth in 1994, John Nicola has been the driving force behind the firm’s remarkable evolution from a boutique practice into one of Canada’s fastest-growing private investment counsels. Under his visionary leadership, Nicola Wealth expanded from $80 million to a current total of over $16.4 billion in assets under management. His innovative approach to diversified investment strategies has influenced the financial planning landscape for many high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Canada.

    As the organization has grown, so too has its dedication to making a positive impact. John’s legacy of “sharing the pie” exemplifies how visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to mentorship and philanthropy can not only transform businesses but also enrich lives and inspire future generations.

    “It is a great honour to receive this recognition from the Business Laureates of B.C. Hall of Fame,” said Mr. Nicola. “This award reflects the incredible work of the entire Nicola Wealth team, whose commitment to innovation and excellence drives our success. As I shift my focus from daily operations to mentoring the next generation of leaders, I am excited about the opportunities ahead. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact in our community.”

    Chris Nicola, President of Nicola Wealth, added, “John’s vision and leadership have established a unique and better way for clients to grow and protect their wealth, create a legacy, and make a meaningful social impact. I am committed to continuing to build on this foundation to further elevate the standard of wealth management in Canada.”

    “John Nicola’s induction is a testament to his leadership and dedication to both business excellence and community impact,” said Wendi Campbell, JA British Columbia President and CEO. “His achievements have shaped the business landscape in B.C. and inspired future generations of leaders.” 

    Mr. Nicola will be inducted at the 2025 BLBC Hall of Fame Gala Dinner & Ceremonies in May. The event will bring together industry leaders, dignitaries and the business community to celebrate the achievements and legacies of these inductees.

    About Nicola Wealth 

    Nicola Wealth is an independent wealth management firm dedicated to serving the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. Today, the firm manages over $16.4 billion in assets for clients across Canada, with advisors in BC, Alberta and Ontario. Nicola Wealth delivers a level of diversification; building upon a foundation of publicly traded securities, providing access to a wide range of private asset classes including hard asset real estate, private equity, private debt, commercial mortgages and more.  For more information, please visit www.nicolawealth.com.   

    About the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame

    The Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame was created by JA British Columbia in 2005 to honour the lifetime achievements of outstanding B.C. business leaders whose efforts have shaped our province and country. Nominations are open to the public to ensure B.C.’s diverse business community is represented and the broadest group of nominees is put forward. Laureates have demonstrated vision, leadership, integrity and legacy throughout their lifetime, and the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the positive legacy they leave behind for future generations of business leaders. 

    For more information about the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame and this year’s inductees, please visit the official website at https://businesslaureatesbc.jabc.ca/.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister announcing healthy meals for kids in Manitoba

    Source: Government of Canada News

    We’ve been through a tough time. When COVID first hit, our country suffered the deepest recession since the Great Depression. Our economy shrank by 17 per cent and it’s been tough getting out of that. In recent weeks, we’ve had some good news. What we’ve been seeing is light at the end of the tunnel. We are approaching a soft landing for the Canadian economy after the turbulence of the COVID recession and what followed.

    October 18, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

    Check against delivery

    I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are in Treaty 1 territory and that the land on which we gather today is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis.

    I want to start by saying a couple of things about the Canadian economy.

    We’ve been through a tough time. When COVID first hit, our country suffered the deepest recession since the Great Depression.  Our economy shrank by 17 per cent and it’s been tough getting out of that.  In recent weeks, we’ve had some good news.  What we’ve been seeing is light at the end of the tunnel.  We are approaching a soft landing for the Canadian economy after the turbulence of the COVID recession and what followed.

    What kind of good news am I talking about?  First of all, inflation in September was at 1.6 per cent.  That is in the lower end of the Bank of Canada’s target range, below the central target of two per cent.  For the past nine months, inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range.  I know that is a relief for people here.

    What that means is that interest rates are coming down, too.  Canada was the first G7 country to lower interest rates for the first time, the first G7 country to lower interest rates for the second time and the first G7 country to lower interest rates for the third time.  That is a relief for a lot of Canadians, a lot of Manitobans as well.

    Wages and employment are going up.  We had strong jobs numbers in September.  The Canadian economy added 47,000 new jobs and unemployment went down a bit.  For the past 20 months, wages have been outpacing inflation.

    All these things are important for Canadians, for families like the parents of the kids here who want to ensure they can take care of their kids, feed their kids, pay their mortgage, pay their rent.  What that economic progress means is that we as a country are able to make investments in our most precious resources, our kids.

    That is why we announced the National School Food Program in the 2024 Budget, which is, in my opinion, one of our government’s key programs.

    The National School Food Program is one of the most important investments we can make in our kids, in our families.  It’s $1 billion over five years.  It’s going to mean 400,000 kids can get fed at school, 400,000 kids who are hungry in their classroom are going to be able to have a snack or some breakfast or some lunch.  That’s going to make such a difference to them, to their teachers.  A family with two kids will save as much as $800 a year on groceries.

    We can only deliver a program like this when we have provincial partners who share our values, who share our commitment to Canada’s kids.  That’s what we have in Manitoba.  That is why I am deeply thrilled to be able to announce today that we have a deal with the great province of Manitoba to invest in school food for Manitoba’s kids.

    The federal government is investing $17.2 million over three years to expand school food programs in Manitoba.  Manitoba is putting money on the table too.  The result is 19,080 more kids in Manitoba are going to get school meals.

    Manitoba is, as usual, in a leadership position with Premier Kinew.  Manitoba is just the second province to conclude a school food deal.  It’s meaningful for every parent who has a kid and knows their kid is going to get a snack, for every kid who’s not going to be hungry.

    This is part of our government’s absolute commitment to investing in families and in children.  It is a companion program to our national system of early learning and childcare, and Manitoba is also playing a leadership role in the country.  You guys are down to $10 a day.  That is fantastic.  That is saving a family in Manitoba $2,610 per child per year, a real affordability measure.  There is also the Canada Child Benefit, where a family can get up to $7,787 per child per year thanks to that benefit.  When you put those programs together, this is a real investment in the most important people in our country, our kids.

    I would like to thank the Government of Manitoba, especially Premier Kinew, who is an excellent partner for us. Our work is not always easy but, because we share the same values, we are able to work together to get things done.

    We need our economy to grow, but that needs to be growth with a purpose. Our purpose needs to be to invest in Canadians.  There is no better investment and no more important investment that we can make than investing in our beautiful, amazing, precious children.  That’s what we’re here to celebrate today.  Thank you.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twillingate — Twillingate RCMP investigates break, enter and theft at Friday’s Bay lookout trail in Fairbank

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Twillingate RCMP is investigating a break, enter and theft that occurred sometime overnight on October 24, 2024, at Friday’s Bay lookout trail in Fairbank.

    Shortly after 12:00 p.m. on October 25, 2024, police received a report that a shed, located in the parking lot near the entrance to the trail, had been broken into. The following is a list of tools that were stolen:

    • DeWalt DCS391B 165mm circular saw
    • DeWalt DCD771C2 cordless drill x 2
    • Square measuring tape
    • Hammers x 3
    • Box of #8 x 3″ screws

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information about this crime, the person(s) responsible, or the location of the stolen property is asked to call Twillingate RCMP at 709-884-2811. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gander — Gander RCMP investigates theft from Dominion in Gander, seeks public’s assistance (UPDATED)

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Update #2: Thanks to the assistance of the public, the woman was identified.

    Update: Gander RCMP thanks the public for the information received on the identity of the woman. Efforts are underway to confirm the information received.

    On August 29, Gander RCMP received a report of a theft from Dominion in Gander. Surveillance video showed a woman stealing a cart full of grocery items with a suspected value of more than $900.00.

    Local efforts by Gander RCMP to identify the suspect have been exhausted. A picture of the woman is attached and the investigation is continuing.

    Anyone with any information about the identity of the woman pictured is asked to call Gander RCMP at 709-256-6841. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app. #SayItHere

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Police respond to a fatal motor vehicle collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 26 at approximately 2:00 a.m., Whitehorse RCMP responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pickup truck and tractor trailer on the Alaska Highway near the Porter Creek subdivision.

    Yukon Emergency Medical Services and the Whitehorse Fire Department assisted at the scene and a 37-year-old male from Whitehorse was found deceased.

    The section of the Alaska Highway from Birch Street to Wann Road was closed to traffic and a detour was established to allow traffic to bypass the area while an M Division RCMP Collision Analyst attended to collect evidence. The closed section of highway was re-opened to the public on October 26 at approximately 5:00 pm.

    Whitehorse RCMP and the Yukon Coroner’s Service continue to investigate.

    Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased and all affected persons.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New pathway to permanent residence for families of the victims of flight PS752

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Canada is committed to supporting those affected by the tragic event involving Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752).

    October 28, 2024—Ottawa—Canada continues to stand with those affected by the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752) and is committed to continue reuniting the victims’ family members.

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new pathway to permanent residence for the families of those who lost their lives in the PS752 tragedy. From October 28, 2024, to October 27, 2025, family members of victims of Flight PS752 who were Canadian Citizens, permanent residents or individuals who were approved to work or study in Canada can now apply for permanent residency.

    This new pathway will include most family members identified by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims who were not eligible to apply for permanent residence under the two previous public policies. More information, including how to apply, is available on the IRCC website.

    This new pathway builds on Canada’s previous efforts to support family members with close ties to our country and aligns with our broader pursuit of transparency, justice and accountability for the victims of this tragedy and their loved ones.

    “The downing of Flight PS752 was a horrific event. As we launch this new pathway, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, justice and human rights. Canada continues to honour the victims of Flight PS752, in solidarity with their families and loved ones who have suffered immeasurable loss.”

    – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

    “The introduction of this new pathway to permanent residence is welcomed news by the families of Flight PS752 victims—especially families of student victims. I would like to thank Minister Miller for his understanding and support as the families work toward healing from the tragic loss of their loved ones.”

    – Kourosh Doustshenas, BSc, CIPS, Spokesperson and Chair, Government and Stakeholders Relations Committee, Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims

    • On January 8, 2020, Flight PS752 was brought down by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles shortly after takeoff from Tehran, Iran. All 176 passengers and crew were killed, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents of Canada.

    • On September 25, 2020, IRCC put in place special measures to help foreign national families of victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 who were stuck in Canada due to border closures during the pandemic.

    • Between May 12, 2021, and May 11, 2022, a temporary public policy was in place to support permanent residence for the extended family of Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Flight PS752 who were in Canada.

    • IRCC launched a subsequent public policy from August 3, 2022, until August 2, 2023, to support permanent residence to certain extended family living outside Canada.

    • Canada continues to work with international partners to hold Iran accountable for its violations of international law, demanding that it provides a full, transparent and credible explanation of the downing.

    • An International Coordination and Response Group to support families of victims of Flight PS752 includes representation by Canada, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, and is coordinating legal efforts to pursue the transparency, accountability and justice the families and loved ones deserve.

    Renée LeBlanc Proctor
    Press Secretary
    Minister’s Office
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    Renee.Proctor@cic.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Communications Sector
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    613-952-1650
    media@cic.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Registration – Canadian and Korean defence and foreign ministers to meet in Ottawa

    Source: Government of Canada News

    October 28, 2024 – The Honourable, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and The Honourable, Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will meet with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun to deepen our close cooperation and work together as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific and North Pacific.

    October 28, 2024 – The Honourable, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and The Honourable, Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will meet with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun to deepen our close cooperation and work together as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific and North Pacific.

    Ahead of the bilateral meeting, the following will be open to media:

    WELCOMING CEREMONY

    Minister Blair and Minister Kim will participate in a welcoming ceremony, including an honour guard, at National Defence Headquarters.

    Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
    Time:     10:30 am EDT
    Place: National Defence Headquarters, 101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2

    Notes for media:

    1. Open coverage
    2. Media representatives who wish to attend the event must arrive before 10:15 am EDT.
    3. Media interested in participating should register with National Defence’s media relations office at mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca to confirm their attendance.

    MEDIA AVAILABILITY

    To conclude the day, meetings will be followed by a media availability with the Honourable, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable, Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun.

    Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
    Time:     2:45 pm – 3:00 pm EDT
    Place: Ottawa, Ontario

    Notes for media:

    1. Media representatives who wish to participate must register ahead of the event. Registration is open to journalists (print, radio, television, news agencies and online media) who are on assignment with a bona fide media organization. 
    2. Media representatives who wish to attend the event must arrive before 2:30 pm EDT.
    3. Media are asked to confirm their attendance by contacting media@international.gc.ca. The exact address will be shared following confirmation.

    Simon Lafortune
    Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of National Defence
    Email: Simon.Lafortune2@forces.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Department of National Defence
    Phone: 613-904-3333
    Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister of Health and the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of Canada on advance requests for medical assistance in dying

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Statement

    October 28, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

    Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal and complex topic.

    Canada’s federal framework governing MAID has been carefully designed with stringent safeguards to affirm and protect the inherent and equal value and dignity of every person’s life. Given the significant life-or-death implications, the Government of Canada has always chosen a cautious approach to expanding MAID eligibility. This approach emphasizes the importance of open dialogue with provinces and territories, medical professionals, expert stakeholders and Canadians.

    MAID is a matter of shared jurisdiction with provinces and territories. As a health service, MAID is administered by provincial and territorial health systems as part of end-of-life or complex care. However, since MAID involves ending a person’s life, it includes important legal considerations under the Criminal Code that is the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada.

    The Government of Canada acknowledges the work the Government of Quebec has conducted on the implementation of advance requests and their interest in having the Criminal Code amended so that advance requests can be permitted for residents of Quebec. As the Criminal Code applies uniformly across Canada and does not permit the provision of MAID based on an advance request, providing MAID pursuant to an advance request remains an offence under the Criminal Code.

    On the complex and serious topic of advance requests, it is important to hear the full range of perspectives. That is why the Government of Canada will launch a national conversation in November 2024 on the topic of advance requests. The consultations will consist of discussions with all provinces and territories, roundtables and online surveys, and will be completed by the end of January 2025. A report on the key themes and findings will be published in Spring 2025. As a first step in conducting this national conversation, the Minister of Health has written to his provincial and territorial counterparts on this important issue.

    We are launching a national conversation and will not be initiating a challenge of Quebec’s Bill 11. We recognize the importance of collaboration between levels of government to ensure that the needs of patients and healthcare professionals are met.

    This national conversation is another step to ensure that the framework for MAID in Canada reflects the evolving needs of Canadians, protects those who may be vulnerable, and supports the autonomy and freedom of choice of Canadians.

    Related Links

    Medical assistance in dying: National conversation on advance requests

    Contact

    Matthew Kronberg
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health
    343-552-5654

    Chantalle Aubertin
    Deputy Director, Communications
    Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General
    613-992-6568
    Chantalle.Aubertin@justice.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Health Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    Department of Justice Canada
    613-957-4207
    media@justice.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Sexual precarity’: how insecure work puts migrants at risk of being sexually harassed, assaulted or trafficked

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Boucher, Associate Professor in Public Policy and Political Science, University of Sydney

    wiratho/Shutterstock

    Some of the ways migrants are exploited in the workforce get a lot of public attention. We hear tragic stories about wage theft, forced unpaid overtime, unsafe work conditions or discrimination. And we are likely to hear more such grim stories revealed at a NSW parliamentary inquiry that will examine modern slavery in Australia.

    These vulnerabilities all relate to what researchers call workplace precarity – insecurity or uncertainty at work. But too often, a major piece of this picture gets overlooked.

    My recent analysis of more than 900 court cases brought by migrant workers shines a light on migrants being sexually harassed, sexually assaulted or trafficked for sexual reasons in their workplaces.

    Yet, with the exception of a recent landmark research report on sexual harassment experienced by migrant women, this issue has not received the attention it deserves.

    The taboo nature of sexual crimes likely plays a role in this neglect. When it is covered, there is often a somewhat sensationalist focus by the media on the sex work industry.

    In the process, we may overfocus on sex work and neglect many other workplaces in which migrant workers can face forms of sexual violence. Any reckoning with workplace precarity more broadly cannot afford to ignore the risk of sexual exploitation.



    Read more:
    Migrant workers have long been too scared to report employer misconduct. A new visa could change this

    What is ‘precarity’?

    Workplace “precarity” – insecurity or uncertainty at work – can affect us all.

    It can encompass a wide range of aspects, including a lack of workplace protections, job insecurity and social or economic instability at work.

    Visa status, a lack of knowledge of local laws and language barriers can all make migrants more vulnerable to workplace precarity.

    Unscrupulous employers may exploit these known vulnerabilities to extract favours and take advantage.

    Many theories of economic precarity do not consider sexual risk at all.

    Migrants can face unique vulnerabilities in the workforce.
    Chiarascura/Shutterstock

    What my research uncovered

    My research, drawn from more than 900 court cases brought by migrant workers, uncovered some harrowing examples.

    In one case in Canada, an employer sexually harassed and in one case raped two migrant women who worked in his business as fish filleters. One of the women felt she had to comply with demands for fellatio to avoid deportation back to Mexico.

    Following a ruling, the women were awarded damages under Ontario human rights law.

    In another highly publicised case in Australia, a farmer was found guilty of raping a young British backpacker, threatening refusal to sign off on her farm work if she did not comply.

    Such a “sign off” is required for a working holiday maker to be able to extend their visa for an additional year.

    Sex slavery

    A further case concerned sex slavery. Two Thai women entered Australia fraudulently on tourist visas with the intention of undertaking sex work. The sex work began, with their consent.

    However, they came to be subjected to work that went beyond what had been contracted in terms of the number of clients, the nature of sexual services provided, frequency and rest periods.

    One woman suffered damage to her sexual organs. They also had their mobile phones removed. After several legal appeals, this behaviour was found to amount to sex trafficking and the defendant employer was imprisoned.

    An attempt to overturn the conviction was refused.

    Recent research by the NSW Anti Slavery Commissioner’s Office with migrant workers on NSW farms also suggests allegations of sexual violence could be unreported due to a perceived risk of retaliation.

    Interwoven risks

    These cases, and many others, all demonstrate that economic and sexual exploitation can commingle for migrant workers.

    In such cases, employers may use economic and visa vulnerability to extract sexual favours. At times in these cases, there are also egregious examples of underpayment or even non-payment.

    To capture this relationship in migration systems, I developed the term sexual precarity. This has five core components:

    1. restrictive visa conditions
    2. debt bondage
    3. live-in arrangements that heighten exposure to employers during non-working hours
    4. entrapment and slavery
    5. the combination of sexual violence with economic exploitation or other forms of physical injury.

    What needs to be done?

    First, as with broader migrant worker rights, education campaigns for migrants are required.

    These would extend beyond making them better informed about their rights on economic exploitation to issues of discrimination and protection from sexual exploitation.

    Second, practical safeguards can be put in place to protect migrant women in isolated workplaces.

    This might include female-only sleeping dorms, female-only agriculture workforces, support person rules for meetings with male employers and general advice on sexual consent laws for both employers and employees.

    Third, policymakers could consider whether sexual offences that are accompanied by a visa threat should suffer additional penalties under criminal or immigration law.

    This has already been made the case with recent changes to visa sponsorship where employers who coerce migrants into breaching their visa conditions are subjected to certain penalties.

    Anna Boucher received funding from the Australian Research Council and the University of Sydney that funded this prior research. She is Vice President (Independent) on the Australian Institute of Employment Rights. 2023-4 she was on the NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Advisory Panel.

    – ref. ‘Sexual precarity’: how insecure work puts migrants at risk of being sexually harassed, assaulted or trafficked – https://theconversation.com/sexual-precarity-how-insecure-work-puts-migrants-at-risk-of-being-sexually-harassed-assaulted-or-trafficked-238880

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Five Eyes intelligence partners launch shared security advice initiative for tech companies, researchers, and investors

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance launched Secure Innovation, a shared security advice initiative to help protect emerging technology companies, researchers, and investors from a range of threats, particularly those from state actors.

    October 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

    Today, members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance launched Secure Innovation, a shared security advice initiative to help protect emerging technology companies, researchers, and investors from a range of threats, particularly those from state actors.

    The launch of this joint protective security guidance is aimed at protecting the tech sector from national security threats. It follows last October’s historic summit that brought together the principals of the domestic security intelligence agencies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) to announce Five Shared Principles to protect technology companies.

    The Emerging Technology and Securing Innovation Security Summit’s objective was to alert civil society to the pernicious economic espionage activities of hostile state actors. These state actors target and steal technology and research from Five Eyes economies.

    Secure Innovation provides the tech sector with a set of cost-effective measures that companies can take to better protect their ideas, reputation and future success.   

    Secure Innovation demonstrates the increased commitment from all Five Eyes nations to work collaboratively against this shared threat. Businesses in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US can take advantage of a collection of Secure Innovation resources, guidance and products, which are now available across all Five Eyes countries.

    This means companies can benefit from consistent advice reflecting both the globalised and interconnected tech start up ecosystem as well as the global nature of the security threats start-ups face.

    The world of national security and intelligence has evolved rapidly in the last several years, and accordingly the way we work has as well. CSIS’ strong relationships with community partners, businesses, and academia are crucial to building resilience against national security threats. Earning the trust of Canadians is foundational to that effort.

    CSIS is committed to continuing its engagement with Five Eyes partners, and will be releasing more resources in the future to assist various partners across multiple sectors mitigate threats to Canada’s economic security.

    Quote

    “Innovation drives collective prosperity and security, yet the threats to innovation are increasing in both scale and complexity. To meet this challenge, CSIS and our Five Eyes partners have launched the Secure Innovation security advice initiative to help build security awareness among tech companies, researchers, and investors in the Five Eyes to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of our respective economies.”

    –          Dan Rogers, Director, CSIS

    Associated Links

    Contacts

    Media Relations
    Canadian Security Intelligence Service
    613-231-0100
    Media-medias@smtp.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Schedules Third Quarter 2024 Conference Call on November 12th, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Ontario and BROSSARD, Québec, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company, will report its third quarter 2024 financial results on Tuesday, November 12th, before the market opens. Management will host a conference call on the same day at 8:00 am EST. All Q3 2024 materials will be available before the call and can be accessed on the ‘Financial Results’ section of the Bitfarms investor site.

    The live webcast and a webcast replay of the conference call can be accessed here. To access the call by telephone, register here to receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN to join the call.

    About Bitfarms Ltd.

    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company that contributes its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated data centers with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers. The Company’s proprietary data analytics system delivers best-in-class operational performance and uptime.

    Bitfarms currently has 12 operating Bitcoin data centers and two under development situated in four countries: Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com

    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    https://twitter.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Bitfarms
    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Media Contact:

    Québec: Tact
    Louis-Martin Leclerc
    +1 418-693-2425
    lmleclerc@tactconseil.ca

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta legislature to reconvene for fall session

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    [embedded content]

    This fall, Alberta’s government will introduce legislation that fortifies the rights, freedoms and opportunities of Albertans, ensuring protections are updated to reflect these modern times.

    During the fall session, Alberta’s government will focus on amending and strengthening the Alberta Bill of Rights, to include the introduction of new rights for Albertans, such as protections for personal autonomy, including the right not to be given medical care, treatment or a vaccine without consent; the right to acquire, keep and use firearms in accordance with the law; and strengthened property rights.

    “Alberta’s government is heading back to the legislature with a laser-focus on the protection of Albertans’ best interests. The legislation introduced this session will see Alberta be a leader in Canada, enshrining fundamental rights while simultaneously ensuring our province remains a haven for job-creating investment with strong, business-friendly policies.”

    Joseph Schow, Government House Leader and Minister of Tourism and Sport

    Legislation will be introduced preserving choice for minors, supporting student success and well-being in schools by strengthening ties between parents and their child’s education, and protecting fairness and safety in sport by ensuring biologically born women and girls have the opportunity to compete in biological female-only categories.

    Alberta’s government will also propose legislation to promote safety in the workplace, increase safety, transparency and accountability in the child-care sector, and protect Albertans’ privacy in today’s digital environment. The government’s emphasis on ensuring the rights and freedoms of Albertans are protected in an ever-changing world is in addition to the ongoing work to continue diversifying Alberta’s economy and maintain Alberta’s business- and investment-friendly environment.  

    Proposed bills to be introduced this session include:

    • Alberta Bill of Rights Amendment Act, 2024
    • Early Learning and Child Care Amendment Act, 2024
    • Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
    • Education Amendment Act, 2024
    • Meat Inspection Amendment Act, 2024
    • Fairness and Safety in Sport Act
    • Service Alberta Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
    • Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
    • Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
    • Protection of Privacy Act
    • Access to Information Act
    • All-season Resorts Act
    • Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2024

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –