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Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves India to Join International Energy Efficiency Hub by signing the Letter of Intent

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Cabinet approves India to Join International Energy Efficiency Hub by signing the Letter of Intent

    Decision will help India gain access to an exclusive 16 nation group sharing strategic energy practices and innovative solutions

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 8:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of ‘Letter of Intent’ thus enabling India to join the ‘Energy Efficiency Hub’.

     India will join the International Energy Efficiency Hub (Hub), a global platform dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting energy efficiency worldwide. This move solidifies India’s commitment to sustainable development and aligns with its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

     Established in 2020 as the successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), in which India was a member, the Hub brings together governments, international organizations, and private sector entities to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions. By joining the Hub, India will gain access to a vast network of experts and resources, enabling it to enhance its domestic energy efficiency initiatives. As of July, 2024, sixteen countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, United States and United Kingdom) have joined the Hub.

     As a member of the Hub, India will benefit from opportunities for collaboration with other member states, sharing its own expertise and learning from international best practices. The country will also contribute to global efforts to address climate change by promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices.

     Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the statutory agency, has been designated as the implementing agency for the Hub on behalf of India. BEE will play a crucial role in facilitating India’s participation in the Hub’s activities and ensuring that India’s contributions align with its national energy efficiency goals.

     By joining the Hub, India is taking a significant step towards more sustainable future. The country’s participation in this global platform will help to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and improve energy security.

     *****

    MJPS/BM

    (Release ID: 2061655) Visitor Counter : 8

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at a Press Gaggle in Lviv

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: I just met with a great group of Ukrainians here at the IT Cluster. This is an innovation hub supported by the Government of Ukraine and by USAID. I have learned from Ukrainian entrepreneurs, and I’ll just give you one example of the kinds of innovations that are happening. 

    Knopka is a member of the IT Cluster here that is revolutionizing medical alert systems. Traditionally, medical alert systems are not wireless. This matters for Ukraine because they would not work during power outages. Power outages have been a real issue for hospitals during the war. So, one Ukrainian entrepreneur here developed a system called “Knopka”. If anything abnormal happens with a patient’s vital signs or the patient indicates that they need care, Knopka sends an alert out to doctors’ and nurses’ phones using cellular data. As long as their phones have some charge left. These doctors and nurses know exactly where to go and who to help us, even when there is no power during the blackout. Knopka technology is 30 percent cheaper than other medical alert systems. While those other systems can often take weeks or even months to install, Knopke’s technology can be installed in just one day. 

    Supported by USAID, Knopka is growing fast. It has already been installed in 30 hospitals in Ukraine and one in Poland, and now Knopka is in talks with hospitals and clinics in Canada and the United States. Those hospitals and clinics are considering acquiring its system, too. Just in the past six months, Knopka’s workforce has expanded from 20 to 35 employees. Knopka’s Founder and CEO said, “Despite the challenges of war, we demonstrate Ukraine’s capacity for innovation and the talent behind it.” 

    So, it is this capacity for innovation that has driven Ukraine’s ability to retain business despite being more than two and a half years into Putin’s brutal invasion. In the tech sector alone, 95 percent of Ukraine’s 5,000 tech companies, including household names like Grammarly and GitLab, have retained their national and global contracts, together powering a full 12 percent of Ukraine’s exports. Since 2022, indeed Ukraine’s tech sector has grown seven percent, contributing $14 billion to Ukraine’s economy.  

    Ukraine’s business leaders in the tech sector and beyond it, are harnessing their creativity and their resilience to lead the country into the future and at USAID, we have been privileged to do what we can to support that effort. Since 2022, we have directly deployed more than $260 million to support businesses in Ukraine, from relocating and restoring the operations of companies on the front lines, to running reskilling programs to train Ukrainians in high demand trades like construction and transportation, to increasing access for businesses and for startups to affordable financing. 

    This support has itself unlocked $232 million in new investments to Ukrainian companies. This helps them expand operations, hire Ukrainians, and this investment allows them to provide much needed tax revenue to support Ukraine’s defense.

    At the same time, we are working closely with our partners in the Ukrainian government to help them shape the business environment. International businesses describe for us the policy and regulatory reforms that they need to be convinced to invest in Ukraine. So, we are working closely with our partners in the Ukrainian government to improve transparency, to reduce opportunities for self-dealing, and to make the judiciary more independent. All of these are critical steps to building confidence that contracts will be honored and investment regulations will be enforced. 

    And finally, we are thrilled to be able to support Ukraine’s ambition to become a global leader in e-governance. As all of you Ukrainians here well know, the revolutionary Diia app that we have supported for years makes it possible for Ukrainians to access all kinds of services. It allows Ukrainian entrepreneurs to register companies, apply for permits, begin procurement processes, and more. By registering on the Diia City platform, Ukrainian and international companies alike, can access benefits that incentivize them to do business in Ukraine – benefits like reduced taxation and legal and financing support. In the first quarter of this year alone, businesses registered on Diia’s City have contributed over four billion Hryvni tax revenue to the Government of Ukraine, that is the equivalent of nearly $100 million. And, these are taxes, of course, that can be used to rebuild schools, to heat homes in winter and to fuel Ukraine’s defense.

    Businesses, like the ones I met with today, are working to build a future where the ingenuity of the Ukrainian people drives progress. Driving that progress not only here in Ukraine, but in places all around the world that will continue to benefit from the products, services, and ideas developed here. 

    Thank you so much, and I look forward to your questions. 

    QUESTION (via translation): How much monetary equivalent has the U.S. government financed in technology in Ukraine and especially western Ukraine?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: We will have to get back to you with the precise figure, especially with the geographic breakdown that you are looking for. But, I am sure someone on the team can provide that. 

    QUESTION (via translation): If you think about long term supporting perspective, where does [the] U.S. government see Ukraine in [the] future? Is it technological? Is it [an] agrarian country? Is it a country of construction?  

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Thank you for that question. As someone who works at an Agency that addresses food insecurity all around the world, I know firsthand the terrible harm that Putin caused by preventing Ukrainian agricultural exports from leaving Ukraine. I saw kids in sub-Saharan Africa who were hungrier because the food prices went up so much because Ukrainian agricultural exports were blocked by Putin’s forces. So, we are in awe of Ukraine’s farmers and its innovators who have found a way, despite the war, to increase agricultural exports now basically to their pre-war levels. And, we recognize that Ukraine’s farmers, as is evidenced by Ukraine’s flag, are foundational to this country’s economy. Ukraine’s agriculture is also a huge part of Ukraine’s identity, and it is a huge part of keeping people fed around the world. 

    But, what is really exciting about what we see in the Lviv IT Cluster is the diversification of Ukraine’s economy. And, seeing the steady growth of IT services as exports in this country, gives us, I think, an indication of where the future can take Ukraine. There are apparently 307,000 tech professionals now in Ukraine, and that is a seven percent increase from last year. Ukraine is becoming famous all around the world for the Diia app. Many citizens in other countries who see the Diia app are very jealous of Ukrainians. The simplicity and the government accountability that makes life better and easier for citizens is something many countries would wish to have. The more people learn in Silicon Valley and elsewhere about the kind of innovation that is happening at a place like this, the more we will see investment and increased exports in IT services.

    We are, of course, also seeing a lot of innovation in other manufacturing sectors. Because of Russia’s brutal attacks, Ukraine has had to innovate in the defense sector. Even drones, which are being manufactured now in Ukraine, have broad civilian appeal for farmers and other sectors around the world. Ukraine is a home to many critical minerals that provides economic opportunity in the future. And, of course, as Ukraine shifts its energy economy to renewables, that will be something, I’m sure, of great interest outside this country.

    My point is not to specify, again, any particular trajectory for Ukraine. It is simply to take note of the incredible innovation and resources that will power Ukraine’s economy in the future. And, of course, it is young people that will drive even more innovation and more ideas of what can come from Ukraine beyond even what I have mentioned today. When I think of all of the innovation that has occurred in Ukraine, just since the full-scale invasion, I marvel at imagining what this country and the Ukrainian people can do in peacetime. And, now Ukraine is more famous than it was before Putin’s full-scale invasion, for the resilience, but also the creativity and innovation of its people. 

    QUESTION: Ms. Power, I’m very thankful for your generous support that USAID has been giving to both private sector, state institutions, and civil society in Ukraine for years. But, I wanted to ask – I know that from my own feelings – I see that USAID is an institution that is caring [for] both people. And, besides funding, both in trends and investments, we do need people, and we do understand that Ukraine, for boosting its innovations and its economy, needs [to] bring people back. We have six to seven million abroad, we have people dying on the front line, and we have a very low birth rate. Is it something that is in your concern, and that USAID would think about, and would think of some special projects to help, somehow, help this situation.

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Well, this is something, actually, I discussed yesterday with President Zelenskyy. It is absolutely critical for Ukraine’s future that its population here is thriving. It is crucial, for example, that the tech professionals who are being groomed here, see themselves as having a full future here where they don’t feel they need to move to Silicon Valley. 

    What USAID is doing is looking at many of the reasons that Ukrainians feel compelled to leave. So, one of the things I discussed with the President is the safety of schools. USAID has invested in refurbishing and rendering more secure around 10,000 bunkers in schools. In Kharkiv, we’ve actually been involved in building a school that is entirely underground because of the situation there. So, education is one example where, as we think about where to make our investments, we do so thinking about a parent who wants nothing more in the world than to keep their children safe. 

    The other core dimension of our work that is designed, of course, to keep people here or to draw people back, is work on helping the economy grow. When people cannot find work, they go to try to find work somewhere else. So, being very specific about which programs can help create jobs for Ukrainians is another example of this kind of work. 

    But, in the future, when peace comes back to Ukraine, there will be tremendous opportunities for jobs and, of course, for people to experience the safety that they once knew. And, that is when we and the European Union and, of course, the government and the people here will need to be very intentional on how we advertise all the opportunities that will exist in what will then be a stronger economy and a stronger democracy.

    This is why the reforms, tackling corruption, strengthening the judiciary, and making the regulatory environment for business more attractive, none of those reforms can wait. And, if that reform effort can continue to progress, it will make Ukraine, on the other side of war, a place that businesses flock to, even more than we are able to get them to come now.

    The very last thing I would say is the obvious, which is a huge part of ensuring or increasing the likelihood that people stay in Ukraine is that the 50-country coalition continues to support Ukraine’s defense. And, that is why the very significant defense package that President Biden just announced is an important part of the answer to your question. More air defense means that citizens can feel safer and that they are less likely to leave the country. That is why we, in the United States, understand that attracting people to stay in Ukraine is a whole-of-U.S.-government enterprise. 

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canada, Manitoba and Giganawenimaanaanig take step forward on red dress alert

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Please be advised that the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Manitoba Minister of Families, will make an announcement about the Red Dress Alert pilot project during the Giganawenimaanaanig Education and Awareness Day.

    Winnipeg, Manitoba — Please be advised that the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Manitoba Minister of Families, will make an announcement about the Red Dress Alert pilot project during the Giganawenimaanaanig Education and Awareness Day.

    There will be a press briefing following this announcement.

    Media Participation:

    Media representatives are requested to confirm their participation at the following address: RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.ca.

    Virtual participation will be possible and instructions for connecting remotely will be provided upon registration.

    Media are first invited to observe, at 11:30 a.m., the Ministers’ remarks and commitment to families, survivors, FFADA rights advocates and frontline workers. The press briefing will follow in an adjacent room.

    Date: Friday, October 4, 2024

    Time: The announcement will begin at 11:30 a.m. Central Time, followed by the press briefing.

    Media representatives are requested to prepare 30 minutes prior to the event start time.

    Location:Canad Inns Destination Center Club Regent Casino Hotel1415 Regent Ave WWinnipeg, Manitoba

    The announcement will take place in the ballroom, and the press briefing will take place in Ambassador Room E.

    Gregory FramePress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Gary AnandasangareeMinister of Crown-Indigenous Relationsgregory.frame@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

    Ryan StelterPress SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Nahanni FontaineMinister of Families of Manitobaryan.stelter@manitoba.ca204-590-8582

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Carbon contracts for difference’ are not a silver bullet for climate action

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Daniel Rosenbloom, Assistant Professor and Rosamond Ivey Research Chair in Sustainability Transitions, Carleton University

    Canadian federal climate policies and investments look increasingly fragile. Could ‘carbon contracts for difference’ help ensure the survival of long-term climate action in Canada? (Shutterstock)

    With the end of the supply-and-confidence agreement and plummeting support for the Liberals, Canada’s climate policy mix is becoming increasingly unstable with the future of everything from investment tax credits to carbon pricing seemingly in flux.

    Given this uncertainty, some industrial emitters have stated they will refrain from making final investment decisions for major emission reducing projects until they receive certain guarantees. Their rationale is that the potential reversal of any climate policy risks the return on investment for their proposed projects.

    Experts have pointed to an obscure mechanism known as a carbon contracts for difference (CCfDs) as an opportunity to allay such concerns.



    Read more:
    Emotions may matter more than facts in shaping individual support for renewable energy, new study shows

    Carbon contracts for difference

    CCfDs are contractual agreements designed to provide price stability for projects that reduce emissions. Under CCfDs, a government entity guarantees a fixed price for the emissions reductions achieved by an industrial project based on established climate policy (for example, the existing or future carbon price).

    If the market price for those reductions falls below this fixed price, the government pays the difference to the project proponents. If the market price exceeds the fixed price, the excess is paid back to the government.

    This type of mechanism is used by a number of governments around the world, including the United Kingdom, and some experts have suggested that a “broad-based contracts for difference program is the key to unlocking billions of dollars of investment in industrial decarbonization.”

    The elegance and deceptive simplicity of this instrument has made it a policy winner in the eyes of many.

    The Canada Growth Fund has allocated up to $7 billion for the issuance of CCfDs to unlock decarbonization projects. In theory, using a CCfD agreement gives an industry partner price stability on investment while the government gets to advance its goals of large emissions reducing projects. Seemingly, a win-win.

    However, growing interdisciplinary research suggests that CCfDs may not always be the obvious win many assume they are.

    Feedback

    There is a long-held understanding in political science that policies produce important feedback patterns that can either reinforce or erode their durability. For example, the social security program in the United States has created a significant voting bloc of beneficiaries that makes it difficult for policymakers to propose cuts to the program.

    Bridging these insights with transition perspectives, my research indicates that harnessing these positive feedbacks can play an important role in building durable climate action.



    Read more:
    What does the end of the Liberal-NDP agreement mean for Canadians?

    In Germany, scholars have found that incentives for new renewable energy (such as in the form of tariffs) helped build coalitions around alternative energy innovations. These coalitions in turn placed pressure upon leaders to ensure continued policy support. Similarly, scholars have shown that industrial policies that support alternative energy innovations and their networks can create positive feedbacks for the climate policy mix.

    Translating these insights to the broad-based use of CCfDs reveals that this instrument risks undermining positive feedbacks or encouraging industrial decarbonization projects with limited ability to contribute to a long-term transition to net-zero.

    Not a perfect solution

    There are three main issues with a CCfD-based approach.

    First, as CCfDs protect the recipient’s bottom line, they are not necessarily incentivized to support existing climate policy. Some experts suggest that a way around this issue is to set the guaranteed price for carbon below the genuine carbon pricing policy. However, it is unclear how low such a discounted price would need to be to maintain positive feedbacks, or if the proposed difference would be sufficient to motivate final investment decisions.

    Second, providing CCfDs for certain emissions reduction projects (such as carbon capture and storage) may inadvertently support industries that have an interest in reversing the direction of climate policy. This focus on opportunities that extend current systems or deliver least-cost emissions reductions reflects a common tendency in policymaking to misunderstand the climate crisis as simply a market failure, and not an issue requiring whole systems change.



    Read more:
    Why do we need a Net Zero Economy Authority? And how can it fulfil its promise?

    Third, the time required to issue CCfDs on a case-by-case basis may actually encourage industrial actors to hold off on making final investment decisions until they receive a guarantee, delaying action further.

    What this shows is that while CCfDs may have a targeted role to play in advancing critical emission reduction projects (such as those that unlock systems change in key sectors), policymakers should be wary of relying too heavily on this instrument.

    A more strategic approach is needed that involves charting pathways between where sectors are now and long-term desirable net-zero outcomes — an approach that is being actively advanced by Canada’s Transition Accelerator. A strategic approach would focus support on industries willing to hitch their carts to the future of the climate policy mix and defend climate action no matter who is in office.

    As the Ivey Research Chair in Sustainability Transitions, Daniel Rosenbloom would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Ivey Foundation. Rosenbloom is also a Steering Group member of the Sustainability Transitions Research Network, which is a scholarly network working toward the advancement of transition scholarship.

    – ref. ‘Carbon contracts for difference’ are not a silver bullet for climate action – https://theconversation.com/carbon-contracts-for-difference-are-not-a-silver-bullet-for-climate-action-237437

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Subnet Solutions Inc. PowerSYSTEM Center

    News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

    View CSAF

    1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • CVSS v3 7.5
    • ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/Low attack complexity
    • Vendor: Subnet Solutions Inc.
    • Equipment: PowerSYSTEM Center
    • Vulnerabilities: Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF), Inefficient Regular Expression Complexity, Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

    2. RISK EVALUATION

    Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could result in an attacker bypassing a proxy, creating a denial-of-service condition, or viewing sensitive information.

    3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

    3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

    The following versions of PowerSYSTEM Center are affected:

    • PowerSYSTEM Center: PSC 2020 v5.21.x and prior

    3.2 Vulnerability Overview

    3.2.1 SERVER-SIDE REQUEST FORGERY (SSRF) CWE-918

    Vulnerable versions of PowerSYSTEM Center utilize Axios NPM package 0.21.0, which contains a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability where an attacker is able to bypass a proxy by providing a URL that responds with a redirect to a restricted host or IP address.

    CVE-2020-28168 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 5.9 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).

    3.2.2 INEFFICIENT REGULAR EXPRESSION COMPLEXITY CWE-1333

    Vulnerable versions of PowerSYSTEM Center utilize Axios, which is vulnerable to Inefficient Regular Expression Complexity.

    CVE-2021-3749 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).

    3.2.3 CROSS-SITE REQUEST FORGERY (CSRF) CWE-352

    Vulnerable versions of PowerSYSTEM Center utilize Axios 1.5.1, which can inadvertently reveal the confidential XSRF-TOKEN stored in cookies by including it in the HTTP header X-XSRF-TOKEN for every request made to any host, allowing attackers to view sensitive information.

    CVE-2023-45857 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 6.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).

    3.3 BACKGROUND

    • CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing, Energy
    • COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
    • COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Canada

    3.4 RESEARCHER

    Subnet Solutions Inc. reported this vulnerability to CISA.

    4. MITIGATIONS

    Subnet Solutions Inc. recommends users update to PowerSYSTEM Center 2020 Update 22, which can be located in the PowerSYSTEM Center by accessing Settings > Overview > Version. Users may also contact Subnet Solution’s Customer Service.

    Subnet Solutions Inc. strongly recommends users update to the latest version. If this is not possible, the following paragraphs describe the security control compensation(s), mitigation(s), or workaround(s) available for identified vulnerabilities:

    • For all vulnerabilities, users can disable usage of previous UI extensions.
    • For CVE-2020-28168 and CVE-2023-45857, users can limit outbound connection requests from the PowerSYSTEM Center security zone to external websites.
    • For CVE-2023-45857 and CVE-2021-3749, users can disable PowerSYSTEM Center Client Access Server user’s ability to access the browser’s F12 Developer Tools to limit user ability to see HTTP headers and corresponding XSRF-TOKEN, and to manipulate requests to the PowerSYSTEM Center website.

    CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of these vulnerabilities, such as:

    • Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet.
    • Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
    • When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.

    CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.

    CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

    CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.

    Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.

    Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.

    CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:

    No known public exploitation specifically targeting these vulnerabilities has been reported to CISA at this time.

    5. UPDATE HISTORY

    • October 3, 2024: Initial Publication

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Little kids, too little movement: Global study finds most children don’t meet guidelines for physical activity, screen time and sleep

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mark S Tremblay, Professor of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine and Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

    A recent study found that only 14 per cent of preschoolers around the world are meeting movement recommendations for physical activity, sleep and screen time. (Shutterstock)

    Appropriate levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep (collectively termed movement behaviours) are essential for the healthy growth and development of preschool-aged children.

    This was the impetus for creating the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (birth to four years). Likewise, this is why the World Health Organization adopted the Canadian guidelines when creating the global guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under five years of age.

    Considering the extensive benefits of movement behaviours, it is very alarming that a recent study found that only 14 per cent of preschoolers around the world are meeting movement behaviour guideline recommendations.

    A 24-hour day in the life of a preschooler meeting the guideline recommendations includes:

    • three or more hours of total physical activity (including at least one hour of energetic play or activities that make them slightly out of breath),
    • one hour or less of screen time, and
    • 10 to 13 hours of good quality sleep

    Importantly, preschoolers who meet these guidelines gain health benefits such as reduced risk of obesity, improved social and emotional skills, and proficient motor skills.

    Global levels

    Preschoolers with healthy movement behaviour habits meeting these guideline recommendations gain health benefits such as reduced risk of obesity, improved social and emotional skills, and proficient motor skills.
    (Pixabay/Oleksandr Pidvalnyi)

    A new global study shows most children around the world don’t meet these guidelines. The study included more than 7,000 preschoolers from 33 different countries, including Canada. The countries represented various World Bank income groups (e.g., high, middle and low income countries); and the geographical regions of Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific.

    When looking at each movement behaviour individually for preschoolers around the world, 49 per cent met the physical activity recommendations, 42 per cent met the screen time recommendation, and 81 per cent met the sleep recommendation.

    That most young children are not meeting each of these basic recommendations separately is cause for concern; that 86 per cent are not meeting all guideline recommendations combined is alarming and places preschoolers around the world at risk of sub-standard health and development.

    Globally, 81 per cent of preschoolers met sleep recommendations.
    (Shutterstock)

    Seventeen per cent of boys met all the guideline recommendations, compared to 13 per cent of girls. This slight difference was driven by more boys meeting the physical activity recommendation (56 per cent boys, 42 per cent girls), and protected from being even worse by more girls meeting the screen time (45 per cent girls, 38 per cent boys) and sleep (82 per cent girls, 79 per cent boys) recommendations.

    The fact that boys had more screen time and less good quality sleep could be related, as previous research has found screen time overall and screen time in the evening is associated with less sleep and lower sleep quality.

    Better screen time and sleep habits for girls protected their overall movement behaviour adherence from being even worse, showcasing the various paths to health through different movement behaviour combinations. However, the low number meeting all movement behaviour recommendations demonstrates the need for all preschoolers to routinely be more active, reduce screen time and accumulate good quality sleep in a day.

    By income

    Screen time in the evening is associated with less sleep and lower sleep quality.
    (Shutterstock)

    Low-income countries had the highest movement behaviour guideline adherence levels (17 per cent), compared to middle-income (12 per cent) and high-income (14 per cent) countries.

    While children from high-income countries were more active and had more quality sleep, they also had the worst screen time behaviours compared to low- and middle-income countries. It is a double-edged sword that in higher-income countries, children have more access to physical activity opportunities and quality sleep environments, but also more access to screen time devices.

    Likewise, middle-income countries with the lowest movement behaviour adherence rates could symbolize a region’s development transition where infrastructure in the homes and communities cannot yet support more physical activity and good quality sleep, but availability of cell phones, televisions and other screens leads to increased sedentary behaviours.

    By region

    The African and European regions had the highest movement behaviour adherence (24 per cent), while the Americas region had the lowest (eight per cent). With 17 per cent meeting the screen time recommendations and 68 per cent meeting the physical activity recommendations, the Americas region had the worst screen time and best physical activity.

    The physical activity levels of the Americas region preschoolers are higher compared to the 39 per cent of older Canadian children and youth as reported in the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. But these older Canadian children and youth did have slightly better, albeit still poor, screen time behaviours with 27 per cent meeting the guidelines.

    Sixty-eight per cent of preschool-aged children in the Americas were meeting the physical activity recommendations, compared to only 26 per cent of Southeast Asian children. However, it remains a concern that roughly half of all young children around the world are at risk of sub-optimal health and development from lack of physical activity.

    Roughly half of all young children around the world are at risk of sub-optimal health and development from lack of physical activity.
    (Shutterstock)

    Guidance for improvements can be drawn from the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, where the goal of a 15 per cent relative reduction in global physical inactivity rates by 2030 relies on capacity-building collaborations within research organizations and alliances to strengthen our global understanding of movement behaviours.

    Along with the best movement behaviours overall, the African region had the best screen time levels with 63 per cent meeting the recommendations. This is potentially explained by limited access to screen time devices.

    However, to better understand why screen time behaviours are better in Africa, initiatives like the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance Global Matrix project should be used as a model. Within the Global Matrix, region-level differences are an opportunity to learn the strengths of other regions, while addressing regional weaknesses at home.

    For instance, Canada could be a model for less active countries, while attempting to model the African region’s reduced screen time lifestyles. Further, projects such as the SUNRISE study — where researchers from more than 70 countries are collaborating to measure preschoolers’ movement behaviours, health and development — are excellent venues for this necessary capacity-building and global learning.

    Take home

    The WHO has Global Movement Guidelines for preschool children and a Global Action Plan to increase physical activity. Canada has similar guidelines and a similar plan.

    However, health movement behaviour levels in Canada and across the globe are unsatisfactory and forecast further global health challenges, inequalities, and distancing from United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It’s time to get our little ones a little more active.

    Mark S Tremblay has received research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada for research distally related to this article. He is affiliated with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology who created the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years, under his leadership. He was also on the expert panel for the World Health Organization for the development of the global guidelines cited in the article.

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

    – ref. Little kids, too little movement: Global study finds most children don’t meet guidelines for physical activity, screen time and sleep – https://theconversation.com/little-kids-too-little-movement-global-study-finds-most-children-dont-meet-guidelines-for-physical-activity-screen-time-and-sleep-240421

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: G7 voices concern over ‘deteriorating situation’ in Mideast

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Group of Seven (G7) leaders on Thursday voiced “deep concern” over the “deteriorating situation” in the Middle East.

    The “dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks fuelling uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East, which is in no one’s interest. Therefore, we call on all regional players to act responsibly and with restraint,” said a G7 statement released by 10 Downing Street.

    The statement said G7 leaders had discussed “coordinated efforts and actions” to avoid further escalation of conflict in the region, without specifying details.

    “We also reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance, and an end to the conflict,” it said.

    As to the recent escalating conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, leaders of the seven biggest developed countries urged all actors to protect civilian populations, saying they are committed to providing humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of civilians in Lebanon.

    In the statement, they stressed “the importance of the United Nations in resolving armed conflict and mitigating the humanitarian impact in the Middle East,” saying that “we are committed to reinforcing our support to the mission, pursuant to applicable UN resolutions.”

    The G7 comprises the United States, Britain, Canada, Italy, France, Germany and Japan.

    Also on Thursday, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad reported that a total of 1,974 people have been killed, including 127 children and 261 women, since the onset of the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict in October last year. The World Health Organization said on the same day that 28 healthcare workers were killed in the past 24 hours in Lebanon amid escalating hostilities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Government of Canada passes legislation to seize massive opportunity of offshore wind energy for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    October 3, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada

    The offshore renewable energy sector offers exceptional economic opportunities for Canada, with the offshore wind market alone expected to attract $1 trillion in investment by 2040. Canada is working in partnership with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to seize these unprecedented economic opportunities and create jobs in Atlantic Canada.

    Bill C-49, An Act to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, received Royal Assent today. Developed in collaboration with the governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, this legislation will help unlock the enormous potential of offshore renewable energy to create thousands of jobs, while attracting billions of dollars in investment and opening new economic opportunities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

    By harnessing the extraordinary wind resources found off the Atlantic coast, Canada will be able to establish itself as a leading supplier of clean energy, including clean hydrogen that countries like Germany are looking to purchase, while continuing to decarbonize its electricity grids. This legislation will help advance the priorities established through the regional energy and resource tables. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly to seize the opportunities presented by clean energy.

    The Government of Canada is working with the governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to develop offshore renewable energy resources, enabling the provinces to build on their strengths and accelerate the growth of the offshore wind sector in a responsible and safe manner. Nova Scotia has already passed similar legislation; Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.

    Canadian businesses and workers are well positioned to take advantage of the immense economic opportunity that clean energy represents in Atlantic Canada and beyond. This new legislation underscores Canada’s commitment to ensuring prosperity, unlocking new opportunities in the clean energy sector, growing the economy, creating thousands of jobs, and strengthening environmental protection in Canada.

    Quotes

    “The adoption of the bill C-49“This legislation allows Atlantic Canada to take advantage of the unprecedented economic opportunities presented by offshore renewable energy. This new legislation will strengthen the economy, create thousands of jobs and attract billions of dollars in investment to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. None of this would have been possible without the close collaboration of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia Premiers Andrew Furey and Tim Houston and Atlantic Canadian Parliamentarians, who advocated for this project and stood up for the interests of the citizens of both provinces.”

    The Honourable Jonathan WilkinsonMinister of Energy and Natural Resources

    “This new legislation will play an important role in achieving Nova Scotia’s offshore wind goals. There are many investors interested in harnessing our wind energy and producing clean energy for green hydrogen and other uses. With Bill C-49 now passed, along with our similar provincial legislation, we are well positioned to grow our offshore wind sector in collaboration with our federal partners, starting with our first call for proposals next year.”

    The Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy for Nova Scotia

    “This new legislation ensures that the necessary measures are in place to unlock opportunities in the offshore renewable energy sector; provides a financial regime that will ensure maximum economic return to Newfoundland and Labrador; and facilitates joint management of the offshore area while leveraging the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board’s extensive expertise in managing offshore projects.”

    The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology for Newfoundland and Labrador

    “It was an honour to sponsor a bill of such economic and environmental importance to my province. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this new legislation, which opens up unprecedented opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and all of Canada.”

    The Honourable Iris G. PettenSenator, Newfoundland and Labrador

    Quick Facts

    This law establishes a common regulatory and management framework for the exploitation of offshore renewable energy.

    The adoption of Bill C-49 amends the laws implementing the agreements. The new law:

    provides a framework for the development of offshore renewable energy; changes the name of the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board to the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator; changes the name of the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board to the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator; expands the mandates of both bodies to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects; better aligns the implementing legislation with the Impact Assessment Act; provides tools to support the Government of Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and modernizes the land tenure provisions of the agreement implementing legislation as they relate to offshore petroleum development.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    Natural Resources CanadaMedia Relations343-292-6100media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy CaturaoPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources613-795-5638cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Follow us on LinkedIn

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Passes Legislation to Seize the Enormous Economic Opportunity Offshore Wind Presents for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 3, 2024                                                             Ottawa, Ontario             Natural Resources Canada

    The offshore renewable energy sector presents a generational economic opportunity for Canada, with the global offshore wind market alone forecast to attract one trillion dollars in investment by 2040. Canada, in partnership with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, is working to seize this unprecedented economic opportunity and create jobs for Atlantic Canadians.

    Today, Bill C-49: An Act to amend the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, received Royal Assent. Developed in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, this legislation will help unlock the enormous potential of offshore renewable energy, to generate thousands of jobs while attracting billions in investment and creating new economic opportunities in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

    By harnessing the world-class wind resources in the Atlantic offshore, we are positioning Canada as the leading supplier of clean energy, including the clean hydrogen countries like Germany are looking to buy, while continuing to decarbonize our electricity grids here at home. This legislation advances the priorities identified through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, including seizing the opportunity clean energy presents.

    The Government of Canada is working with the Governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to develop offshore renewable energy resources, enabling the provinces to capitalize on their existing strengths and accelerate offshore wind development safely and responsibly. Nova Scotia has already adopted mirror legislation, with Newfoundland and Labrador expected to do the same in the coming weeks.

    Canadian workers and businesses are well positioned to seize the enormous economic opportunity clean energy presents, in Atlantic Canada and beyond. Today’s legislation underscores Canada’s commitment to deliver prosperity, create new clean energy opportunities, strengthen the economy, create thousands of jobs and better protect Canada’s environment.

    Quotes

    “Bill C-49 enables Atlantic Canada to seize the generational economic opportunity presented by offshore renewable energy. It will strengthen the economy, enable the creation of thousands of jobs and attract billions in investments in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. These opportunities would not have been possible without the close collaboration of the Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, Andrew Furey and Tim Houston, and Atlantic Canada’s Members of Parliament, who fought and delivered for the people of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.” 

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
    Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

    “Bill C-49 is important to Nova Scotia meeting its offshore wind targets. Investors are lining up to harness our wind power and produce clean energy for green hydrogen and other uses. Now that this bill has passed, along with our own provincial mirror legislation, we are well on our way to developing our offshore wind industry hand in hand with our federal partners, starting with issuing our first call for bids next year.”

     

    The Honourable Tory Rushton
    Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, Government of Nova Scotia

    “Bill C-49 ensures the necessary measures are in place to support offshore renewable energy opportunities; allows for a fiscal regime that provides the maximum economic returns to Newfoundland and Labrador; and furthers joint management of the offshore area while building upon the extensive expertise the C-NLOPB has in managing offshore projects.”

    The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
    Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

    “I was honoured to sponsor a bill of such significant economic and environmental importance to my province. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of Bill C-49, as this historic bill presents a generational opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Canada as a whole.”

    The Honourable Iris G. Petten, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador,

    Senate of Canada

    Quick facts

    • This legislation establishes a joint management regulatory framework for offshore renewable energy development

    • Bill-49 includes amendments to the Accord Acts that:

      • establish the framework to develop offshore renewable energy;
      • change the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board’s name to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER);
      • change the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board’s name to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator (C-NLOER);
      • expand the mandates of the CNSOER and the C-NLOER to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects;
      • improve alignment between the Accord Acts and the Impact Assessment Act (IAA);
      • provide tools to support the Government of Canada’s marine conservation agenda; and
      • modernize the land tenure regime for offshore petroleum development.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Natural Resources Canada
    Media Relations
    343-292-6100
    media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy Caturao
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    613-795-5638
    cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Follow us on LinkedIn

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Falls International Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Falls International Airport located in International Falls, MN. for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $3,635,242 to reconstruct 19,400 square yards of the existing general aviation apron pavement, shift Taxiway C1 by 50 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, and reconstruct 220 feet of Taxiway B1 pavement.
    “Falls International Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Northern Minnesota, Canada, and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.”
    “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Falls International Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards structural upgrades so it is safe and functional for travelers.” 
    This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: 2024 summer camping season ends, and progress continues on Yukon Parks Strategy

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Another Yukon summer camping season has come to a close. The territory is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful campgrounds and parks, and the Government of Yukon is committed to enhancing recreation opportunities while improving fair access to campsites.

    • Read more about 2024 summer camping season ends, and progress continues on Yukon Parks Strategy
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Yukon government working to advance Yukoners’ priorities this summer

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “Over the spring and summer, our government worked hard on behalf of Yukoners, here at home as well as in other Canadian jurisdictions, always keeping Yukoners at the heart of every meeting and discussion.

    “In April, I had the opportunity to attend the Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage, where we joined policymakers, diplomats, Indigenous leaders and experts to discuss key Alaska-Yukon priorities, such as economic development, infrastructure, energy and environmental stewardship.

    • Read more about Yukon government working to advance Yukoners’ priorities this summer
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister Jeanie McLean on Women’s History Month

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

    “As the Yukon Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate, I am proud to recognize Women’s History Month in Canada and the Yukon this October.

    • Read more about Statement from Minister Jeanie McLean on Women’s History Month
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Traffic Safety Act tabled in the Yukon Legislative Assembly

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Today, Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke tabled Bill 44, the Traffic Safety Act, in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. This proposed legislation would replace the outdated Motor Vehicles Act with a modern, forward-thinking approach to traffic safety on the Yukon’s highways.

    • Read more about Traffic Safety Act tabled in the Yukon Legislative Assembly
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on Canadian Islamic History Month

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “In Canada, October provides an opportunity to recognize Canadian Islamic History Month. Throughout this month, we honour the diverse histories, cultures and achievements of the Muslim Canadian community, which has played an integral role in shaping Canada’s identity, as well as our identity here in the Yukon.

    • Read more about Statement from Premier Pillai on Canadian Islamic History Month
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Assisted-departure flights for Australians in Lebanon

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    As part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing work to assist Australians seeking to depart Lebanon, two Government-supported charter flights carrying up to 500 passengers will depart Beirut Airport tomorrow for Larnaca, Cyprus.

    This continues the Australian Government’s work with partners and commercial airlines, which has seen seats secured on several flights this week, including a Canadian assisted-departure flight last night which had 41 Australians on board.

    Further flights are planned for subsequent days and will be subject to demand.

    Operation of the Australian Government-supported charter flights is subject to the airport in Beirut remaining open and other operational constraints.

    Onward travel to Australia is being arranged for those landing in Cyprus. Qantas has confirmed two flights from Cyprus to Sydney and we are grateful for their assistance. We are working with other airlines to confirm additional flights.

    These flights will be free-of-charge for those eligible Australians, permanent residents and their immediate family members with a right of entry to Australia. Vulnerable passengers will be prioritised.

    The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will be in contact with registered Australians to facilitate their departure and will continue to provide updates to registered Australians.

    Australians in Lebanon who wish to leave should ensure they are registered via DFAT’s Crisis Portal or by calling the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

    Our message to Australians in Lebanon remains – now is the time to leave. Please take the first flight option that is available. There is no guarantee of preferred flights or that these flights will continue.

    Media note: Images from last night’s flight are available via DFAT’s Media Library.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New UNECE Regulation paves way for deployment of driving assistance systems worldwide

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    A new United Nations Regulation on Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS), adopted by the UNECE World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) at its session in March 2024, has entered into force. 

    Regulation No. 171 defines DCAS as systems which assist the driver in controlling the longitudinal and lateral motion of the vehicle on a sustained basis, while not taking over the entire driving task.  DCAS are categorized as Automated Driving Systems corresponding to SAE Level 2. This means that while using such systems, the driver retains responsibility for the control of the vehicle and must therefore permanently monitor the surroundings as well as vehicle/system’s performance to be able to intervene if needed.   

    Regulation No. 171, which entered into force on 30 September, specifies DCAS’ safety and performance requirements. In order to ensure that drivers remain available and engaged, it mandates effective warning strategies if a lack of driver engagement is detected. 

    To address drivers’ potential overreliance on some assistance systems, it also requires vehicle manufacturers to proactively communicate to users via all available means, including online, in advertising and at dealerships when purchasing a vehicle, about the limitations of DCAS and drivers’ responsibility when using the systems. 

    François Roudier, Secretary General of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), commented: “This new regulation on DCAS gives Automobile Manufacturers the necessary flexibility to propose enhanced Level 2 assisting systems to motorists worldwide. Increased assistance will go hand-in-hand with improved safety on the road, to the benefit of users, manufacturers and certification authorities alike.”  

    Richard Damm, Chair of the WP.29 Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA), said: “This new UN Regulation on DCAS is an important step for road traffic safety and the deployment of safe technologies assisting drivers. It ensures significantly improved driver monitoring in the use of assistance systems compared to current regulatory provisions, enhancing the involvement of the driver in the driving task. It will thus pave the way towards higher automation levels in the future.” 
     

    Note to editors 

    About autonomous driving at the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations   

    The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, hosted by UNECE, is the intergovernmental platform responsible for the regulatory frameworks regarding the safety and environmental performance of vehicles, their subsystems and parts.    

    Its dedicated Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) brings together countries including the EU, USA, China, Japan and Canada to develop internationally harmonized regulations, resolutions and guidelines governing automated driving functionalities, such as provisions related to the dynamics of vehicles (braking, steering), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Automated Driving Systems well as Connected Vehicles and Cyber Security provisions. The group currently supervises 8 informal work groups (IWGs) and tasks forces.   

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New UN regulation paves way for deployment of driving assistance systems worldwide

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    A new United Nations Regulation on Driver Control Assistance Systems (DCAS), adopted by the UNECE World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) at its session in March 2024, has entered into force. 

    Regulation No. 171 defines DCAS as systems which assist the driver in controlling the longitudinal and lateral motion of the vehicle on a sustained basis, while not taking over the entire driving task.  DCAS are categorized as Automated Driving Systems corresponding to SAE Level 2. This means that while using such systems, the driver retains responsibility for the control of the vehicle and must therefore permanently monitor the surroundings as well as vehicle/system’s performance to be able to intervene if needed.   

    Regulation No. 171, which entered into force on 30 September, specifies DCAS’ safety and performance requirements. In order to ensure that drivers remain available and engaged, it mandates effective warning strategies if a lack of driver engagement is detected. 

    To address drivers’ potential overreliance on some assistance systems, it also requires vehicle manufacturers to proactively communicate to users via all available means, including online, in advertising and at dealerships when purchasing a vehicle, about the limitations of DCAS and drivers’ responsibility when using the systems. 

    François Roudier, Secretary General of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), commented: “This new regulation on DCAS gives Automobile Manufacturers the necessary flexibility to propose enhanced Level 2 assisting systems to motorists worldwide. Increased assistance will go hand-in-hand with improved safety on the road, to the benefit of users, manufacturers and certification authorities alike.”  

    Richard Damm, Chair of the WP.29 Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA), said: “This new UN Regulation on DCAS is an important step for road traffic safety and the deployment of safe technologies assisting drivers. It ensures significantly improved driver monitoring in the use of assistance systems compared to current regulatory provisions, enhancing the involvement of the driver in the driving task. It will thus pave the way towards higher automation levels in the future.” 
     

    Note to editors 

    About autonomous driving at the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations   

    The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, hosted by UNECE, is the intergovernmental platform responsible for the regulatory frameworks regarding the safety and environmental performance of vehicles, their subsystems and parts.    

    Its dedicated Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (GRVA) brings together countries including the EU, USA, China, Japan and Canada to develop internationally harmonized regulations, resolutions and guidelines governing automated driving functionalities, such as provisions related to the dynamics of vehicles (braking, steering), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Automated Driving Systems well as Connected Vehicles and Cyber Security provisions. The group currently supervises 8 informal work groups (IWGs) and tasks forces.   

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Calfrac Well Services Ltd. to Announce 2024 Third Quarter Earnings Release and Hold a Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calfrac Well Services Ltd. (“Calfrac”) (TSX:CFW) intends to release its 2024 third quarter results before the market opens on Wednesday November 6, 2024, and has scheduled a conference call to begin at 10:00 A.M. MT (12:00 P.M. ET) on the same day.

    Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis will be posted onto Calfrac’s website and on SEDAR+ after the press release has been disseminated.

    A webcast of the conference call can be accessed through the link below:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/u6rkjvae

    A replay of the conference call will also be available on Calfrac’s website for at least 90 days.

    To participate in the Q&A session, you may dial-in (toll free) 1-833-630-1956 (or at 1-412-317-1837 for international participants) fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the call and ask for the Calfrac Well Services Ltd. 2024 Third Quarter Earnings Release Conference Call to register.

    About Calfrac:

    Calfrac’s common shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “CFW”.

    Calfrac provides specialized oilfield services to exploration and production companies designed to increase the production of hydrocarbons from wells with continuing operations focused throughout North America and Argentina. The Company executes on its brand promise of “Do It Safely, Do It Right, Do It Profitably” to generate long-term, sustainable returns for its shareholders.

    Further information regarding Calfrac Well Services Ltd., including the most recently filed Annual Information Form, can be accessed on Calfrac’s website at http://www.calfrac.com or under the Company’s public filings found at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information on this conference call, please contact:

    Michael Olinek
    Chief Financial Officer
    (403) 234-6673

    Suite 500, 407 – 8 Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1E5
    Website: http://www.calfrac.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hut 8 Operations Update for September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    19.5 EH/s and 762 MW under management in mining with path to 33.5 EH/s

    Announced partnership with BITMAIN to host next-generation ASIC miner with purchase option to reach 20 EH/s of self-mining

    GPU-as-a-service subsidiary generating revenue with first cluster fully online

    Outstanding balance of Anchorage Digital loan equitized at price of $16.395 per share

    MIAMI, Oct. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), a leading, vertically integrated operator of large-scale energy infrastructure and one of North America’s largest Bitcoin miners, today released its operations update for September 2024.

    “We made significant strides in scaling our compute layer across Bitcoin mining and AI this month,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “In partnership with Bitmain, we launched a next-generation, DLC-cooled ASIC miner. We are targeting a 15 EH/s hosting deployment at our Vega site in the Texas Panhandle by H1 2025, which is expected to generate ~$135 million in annualized hosting revenue on a fully ramped basis. The agreement’s purchase option creates a clear path to 20 EH/s of self-mining capacity by allowing us to fully acquire the hosted machines for our fleet. This deal demonstrates our commitment to pushing the mining industry forward while positioning for expansion into AI data centers.”

    “Our GPU-as-a-service vertical is now fully operational and generating revenue. As we advance discussions with potential partners to expand our digital infrastructure layer across Bitcoin mining and AI compute, we remain committed to maintaining balance sheet strength and creative structuring. To that end, we have also enhanced our financial position by fully converting our ~$38 million Anchorage Digital loan into equity at $16.395 per share of common stock, which represents a 51% premium to the Company’s 20-day VWAP through the day prior to the signing of the equitization agreement.”

    Highlights:

    • Announced partnership with BITMAIN to host U3S21EXPH ASIC miner in H1 2025 with path to 20 EH/s of self-mining capacity; partnership is expected to generate ~$135 million in annualized hosting revenue on a fully ramped basis
    • Brought 1,000 NVIDIA H100 GPUs online and began generating revenue for new GPU-as-a-service subsidiary Highrise AI, Inc.
    • Announced equitization of ~$38 million Anchorage Digital loan at a price of $16.395 per share
    • Continued construction of Ionic Digital’s Cedarvale site and remain on track to complete site buildout by December

    Operating Metrics

    Average during the period unless otherwise noted September 2024 August 2024
    Total energy capacity under management1,2,3 762 MW 762 MW
    Total deployed miners under management4 189.9K 179.5K
    Total hashrate under management5 19.5 EH/s 18.5 EH/s
         
    Self-Mining6    
    Deployed miners7 58.6K 58.5K
    Deployed hashrate8 5.6 EH/s 5.6 EH/s
    Bitcoin produced1,9 85 BTC 87 BTC
    Bitcoin on balance sheet1 9,106 BTC 9,105 BTC
         
    Managed Services2,10    
    Energy capacity under management1 582 MW 582 MW
    Deployed miners under management 140.8K 130.5K
    Hashrate under management 14.9 EH/s 13.9 EH/s
         
    Hosting    
    Deployed miners under management11,12 76.7K 76.7K
    Hashrate under management13 8.6 EH/s 8.5 EH/s
         

    Energy Infrastructure Platform1

            Current/Contracted Revenue Stream(s)14
    Site Location Owner Power
    Capacity    		 Self-
    Mining    		 Managed
    Services    		 Hosting HPC Power
    Sales
    Vega15 Texas Panhandle Hut 8 205 MW     Yes16    
    Medicine Hat Medicine Hat, AB Hut 8 67 MW Yes        
    Salt Creek Orla, TX Hut 8 63 MW Yes        
    Alpha Niagara Falls, NY Hut 8 50 MW Yes   Yes    
    Drumheller17 Drumheller, AB Hut 8 42 MW          
    Kelowna Kelowna, BC Hut 8 1.1 MW       Yes  
    Mississauga Mississauga, ON Hut 8 0.9 MW       Yes  
    Vaughan Vaughan, ON Hut 8 0.6 MW       Yes  
    Vancouver II Vancouver, BC Hut 8 0.5 MW       Yes  
    Vancouver I Vancouver, BC Hut 8 0.3 MW       Yes  
    King Mountain18 McCamey, TX Hut 8 (JV) 280 MW Yes Yes Yes   Yes
    Iroquois Falls19 Iroquois Falls, ON Hut 8 (JV) 120 MW         Yes
    Kingston19 Kingston, ON Hut 8 (JV) 110 MW         Yes
    North Bay19 North Bay, ON Hut 8 (JV) 40 MW         Yes
    Kapuskasing19 Kapuskasing, ON Hut 8 (JV) 40 MW         Yes
    Cedarvale3 Barstow, TX Managed 215 MW   Yes      
    East Stiles Midland, TX Managed 30 MW   Yes      
    Rebel Midland, TX Managed 25 MW   Yes      
    Stiles Midland, TX Managed 20 MW   Yes      
    Garden City Midland, TX Managed 12 MW   Yes      
    Total     1,322 MW          
                     

    Upcoming Conferences & Events:

    • October 7–9, 2024: Yotta 2024
    • October 15, 2024: USC Marshall Energy Business Summit 2024
    • November 13–14, 2024: Cantor Fitzgerald Crypto, Digital Assets & AI Infrastructure Conference 2024
    • November 19, 2024: Craig-Hallum 15th Annual Alpha Select Conference
    • November 19, 2024: Benzinga Future of Digital Assets Conference 2024
    Notes:
    (1) As of the end of the period
    (2) Includes all Self-Mining, Managed Services, and Hosting infrastructure, including 100% of the energy capacity at the King Mountain site, which is owned by the King Mountain JV in which the Company has a 50% membership interest and a Fortune 200 renewable energy producer has the remaining 50% membership interest (the “King Mountain JV”).
    (3) Includes 215 megawatts assuming full capacity at Cedarvale, which was first energized in April and is currently under construction.
    (4) Includes all miners that are racked with power and networking, rounded to the nearest 100, in Self-Mining, Managed Services, and Hosting infrastructure with power and networking, including all miners at the King Mountain site.
    (5) Includes all Self-Mining, Managed Services, and Hosting hashrate, including 100% of the hashrate at the King Mountain site.
    (6) Self-Mining operations for Hut 8 include 100% of operations at the King Mountain site.
    (7) Deployed miners are defined as those physically racked with power and networking, rounded to the nearest 100; deployed self-mining miners net of the 50% share of the King Mountain JV held by Hut 8’s joint venture partner was 49.6K during September and 49.5K during August.
    (8) Indicates the target hashrate of all deployed miners; deployed self-mining hashrate net of the 50% share of the King Mountain JV held by Hut 8’s joint venture partner was 4.7 EH/s during September and August, respectively.
    (9) Bitcoin produced net of the 50% share of the King Mountain JV held by Hut 8’s joint venture partner was 72 BTC during September and 74 BTC during August.
    (10) The Managed Services figures reflected in this table include the Self-Mining and Hosting metrics from the sites where Hut 8’s Managed Services business is an additional service layer in the operation of the site (at King Mountain, Rebel, Stiles, East Stiles, and Garden City). As a result, the sum of the Self-Mining, Managed Services, and Hosting numbers will not add up to the “Total energy capacity under management”, “Total deployed miners under management”, and “Total hashrate under management” figures that are also reflected in the table.
    (11) Miners are rounded to the nearest 100.
    (12) 42.6K deployed miners under management net of the 50% share of the King Mountain JV held by Hut 8’s joint venture partner during September and August, respectively.
    (13) 4.7 EH/s under management net of Hut 8’s joint venture partner’s 50% share of the King Mountain JV during September and August, respectively.
    (14) Reflects revenue sources to Hut 8, its subsidiaries, and/or joint ventures in which they participate.
    (15) Site is currently under development.
    (16) Anticipated to begin generating revenue in H1 2025
    (17) Site currently shut down; Hut 8 maintaining lease with option value of re-energizing site.
    (18) Owned by a JV between Hut 8 and a Fortune 200 renewable energy producer in which Hut 8 has an approximately 50% membership interest.
    (19) Owned by a JV between Hut 8 and Macquarie in which Hut 8 has an approximately 80% membership interest.
       

    About Hut 8 

    Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure operator and Bitcoin miner with self-mining, hosting, managed services, and traditional data center operations across North America. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Hut 8 Corp. has a portfolio comprising twenty sites: eleven Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, and four power generation assets in Ontario. For more information, visit http://www.hut8.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @Hut8Corp.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information

    This press release includes “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws, respectively (collectively, “forward-looking information”). All information, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Hut 8 expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as future business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of the business, operations, plans and other such matters is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “allow”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “predict”, “can”, “might”, “potential”, “predict”, “is designed to”, “likely” or similar expressions. Specifically, such forward-looking information included in this press release includes statements relating to our path to increase our EH/s under management to 33.5 EH/s, our path to increase self-mining EH/s to 20 EH/s through the purchase option with Bitmain, the timing and potential revenues for the hosting deployment at our Vega site, our plans to expand into AI data centers, our discussions with potential partners to expand our digital infrastructure layer across Bitcoin mining and AI compute, our commitment to balance sheet strength and creative structuring, and the timing to complete the Cedarvale site buildout for Ionic Digital.

    Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events based on certain material factors and assumptions at the time the statement was made. While considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to, security and cybersecurity threats and hacks; malicious actors or botnet obtaining control of processing power on the Bitcoin network; further development and acceptance of the Bitcoin network; changes to Bitcoin mining difficulty; loss or destruction of private keys; increases in fees for recording transactions in the Blockchain; erroneous transactions; reliance on a limited number of key employees; reliance on third party mining pool service providers; regulatory changes; classification and tax changes; momentum pricing risk; fraud and failure related to digital asset exchanges; difficulty in obtaining banking services and financing; difficulty in obtaining insurance, permits and licenses; internet and power disruptions; geopolitical events; uncertainty in the development of cryptographic and algorithmic protocols; uncertainty about the acceptance or widespread use of digital assets; failure to anticipate technology innovations; the COVID19 pandemic, climate change; currency risk; lending risk and recovery of potential losses; litigation risk; business integration risk; changes in market demand; changes in network and infrastructure; system interruption; changes in leasing arrangements; failure to achieve intended benefits of power purchase agreements; potential for interrupted delivery, or suspension of the delivery, of energy to mining sites and other risks related to the digital asset mining and data center business. For a complete list of the factors that could affect Hut 8, please see the “Risk Factors” section of Hut 8’s Transition Report on Form 10-K, available under the Company’s EDGAR profile at http://www.sec.gov, and Hut 8’s other continuous disclosure documents which are available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov.

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

    Hut 8 Corp. Media Relations
    media@hut8.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Edmonton Institution

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    On August 19, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Edmonton Institution, a maximum security federal institution.

    August 26, 2024 – Edmonton, Alberta – Correctional Service Canada

    On August 19, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Edmonton Institution, a maximum security federal institution.

    Among the items seized were THC, crystal methamphetamine and cell phones. In total, the institutional value of the seized items is estimated at $917,400.

    The police have been informed and the establishment is investigating.

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has a number of tools to prevent the introduction of drugs into its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.

    CSC is strengthening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. CSC is also working in partnership with police forces to take action against individuals who attempt to bring contraband into correctional institutions.

    CSC has also established a telephone information line for all federal institutions to provide additional information on activities related to the security of CSC institutions. This may include activities related to drug use or trafficking that could threaten the safety of visitors, inmates or people working in CSC institutions.

    Using the toll-free line, 1-866-780-3784, helps ensure that the information transmitted is protected and that anonymity remains maintained.

    -30-

    Jeff CampbellRegional Communications ManagerRegional Administration, Prairies(306) 222-2258

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Middle Landing  — Have you seen this stolen trailer?

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Chaleur Region RCMP is seeking the public’s help locating a stolen trailer near Middle Landing, N.B.

    The theft is believed to have occurred sometime after 5 p.m. on September 18, 2024, and before 1:40 p.m., on September 22, 2024, at a residence on Anacon Road, near Middle Landing.

    The trailer is described as a white 2011 Heartland North Trail, with New Brunswick licence plate TNJ 338, and vehicle identification number 5SFNB3121BE229775.

    If you have seen the trailer since September 18, or if you have information that could help further the investigation, please contact the Chaleur Region RCMP at 506-548-7771. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at http://www.crimenb.ca.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Government of Canada, CRITUC, and FortisAlberta support project to plan transition to zero-emission vehicles

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    Press release

    Edmonton, Alberta, January 31, 2024 — Communities across the country are developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing carbon emissions from public transit.

    Today, Minister Randy Boissonnault, Curtis Eck, Vice President, Engineering, FortisAlberta, and Josipa Petrunic, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), announced a combined investment of $550,092 for the Alberta Municipal Constellation Project.

    The Alberta Municipal Constellation Project is a comprehensive study to guide the acquisition and deployment of zero-emission buses for nine transit agencies – Airdrie, Banff/Bow Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, Hinton, Leduc, Rocky View, Spruce Grove, Strathcona County and Whitecourt – in Alberta by assessing the economic, technical and environmental considerations associated with this transition. The study, led by CUTRIC and FortisAlberta, is being conducted in collaboration with local municipalities and the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE). The project will guide local transit agencies in planning for the integration of zero-emission buses in the years ahead and provide a regional energy needs modelling study to ensure that needs can be met. Once the project is complete, the results will be shared with all participating communities, helping to spread the benefits of this important project.

    By investing in the electrification of Canada’s public transit systems, the Government of Canada is ensuring that communities across the country have access to clean and affordable transportation, which helps grow our country’s economy and improve the lives of Canadians.

    Quotes

    “When we invest in Alberta, we must consider current and future generations of our province. Our government remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and we will achieve this goal by funding clean transit projects, like this collaboration with FortisAlberta, OSPE, CUTRIC and local transit agencies. This project will provide Albertans with cleaner, quieter and more efficient travel, while contributing to our collective efforts to combat climate change.”

    The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “We are committed to supporting municipalities in our service area in their efforts to decarbonize their transit fleets. Our collaboration is designed to provide a comprehensive analytical framework that assesses economic impacts and designs energy management strategies for seamless integration into Alberta’s electricity grid. Leveraging our distribution planning expertise, FortisAlberta will assess and mitigate the challenges of grid capacity and voltage constraints associated with the decarbonization of municipal fleets. This initiative will facilitate the efficient and effective use of existing distribution infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable transition to greener transit solutions.”

    Curtis Eck, Vice President, Engineering, FortisAlberta

    “This first-of-its-kind project symbolizes the power of collaboration, bringing together municipalities and FortisAlberta to lead the way in zero-emission vehicles in the years to come. Through this project, we hope to not only meet the evolving energy needs of these regions, but also serve as a catalyst for positive change in sustainable transportation. We are confident that the results of this study will guide our partner organizations in their strategic planning and decision-making, fostering a cleaner, greener future for Alberta communities. CUTRIC looks forward to leading the way in innovative and environmentally responsible public transit.”

    Josipa Petrunić, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC)

    “The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission is committed to supporting the introduction of low-emission vehicles and related infrastructure in our region. As we operate in and around Banff National Park, it is essential that we respect the environment and be at the forefront of reducing emissions in the operation of our transit services. Fortis and CUTRIC’s involvement in the project is a critical step in continuing our transition and we are excited to be part of this initiative!”

    Martin Bean, CEO, Roam Transit

    “Our partnership with FortisAlberta and other municipalities on the electric bus feasibility study reflects our commitment to a more sustainable future. We are grateful for the support we receive from Infrastructure Canada through the Zero Emission Transit Fund. Airdrie is on the path to sustainable and efficient public transit.”

    Peter Brown, Mayor of the City of Airdrie

    Quick Facts

    The Government of Canada is providing a contribution of $440,074 to this project through the Zero Emission Public Transit Fund (ZETF). FortisAlberta is contributing $110,018.

    The nine Alberta communities included in this study are: Airdrie, Banff/Bow Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, Hinton, Leduc, Rocky View, Spruce Grove, Strathcona County and Whitecourt. The study will help these communities plan their transition to zero-emission buses.

    The FTCZE helps communities transition to zero-emission school and transit buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Canada’s net-zero emissions targets. By electrifying their bus fleets, communities are working to ensure our children benefit from a cleaner environment, while supporting Canada’s manufacturing sector.

    This Fund is closely coordinated with the Zero-Emission Bus Initiative, under which the BIC has committed to investing more than $1.5 billion to support the acquisition of zero-emission buses.

    The Government of Canada is investing billions of dollars to provide predictable federal funding for public transit. This funding will be available starting in 2026–27 to support solutions for reliable, fast, affordable and clean public transit. The CZETF complements Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. As part of this plan, the federal government is committing to providing permanent federal funding for public transit to ensure every community has clean and affordable transportation options.

    Under an agreement with CRITUC, the Government of Canada is investing $10 million over five years through the FTCZE to help transit bus operators conduct planning work and improve their readiness for a transition to zero-emission bus fleets.

    CRITUC’s mission is to support the commercialization of technologies through industry-led research, development, demonstration and integration projects that bring innovative design to Canada’s low-carbon smart mobility ecosystem.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal AhmedManager, CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsInfrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll Free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Media RelationsFortisAlbertaPeter BrodskyManager, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications403-514-4040peter.brodsky@fortisalberta.com

    Media RelationsCanadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC)Rachael D’AmoreTalk Shop Mediarachael@talkshopmedia.com

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Drumheller Institution inmate dies

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    On February 26, 2024, Abdirahman Mahamed, an inmate at Drumheller Institution, died while in our custody.

    February 27, 2024 – Drumheller, Alberta – Correctional Service Canada

    On February 26, 2024, Abdirahman Mahamed, an inmate at Drumheller Institution, died while in our custody.

    At the time of death, the person had been serving a sentence of 3 years and 4 months for possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm with ammunition since May 5, 2023.

    The person’s relatives have been informed.

    As is always the case in the event of a death, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will review the circumstances of the incident. CSC policy requires that the police and the coroner be notified.

    Roxane Braun Advisor, Media Relations and Community LiaisonRegional Administration – Prairies(306) 514-2203

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Increasing energy efficiency of Elizabeth Métis Settlement community hall will improve this local gathering place

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    Press release

    Elizabeth Métis Settlement, Alberta, April 29, 2024 — Upgrades to the local community hall will make this gathering place better and more energy efficient thanks to an investment of nearly $250,000 from the federal government.

    Announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault and Elizabeth Métis Settlement President Kathy Lepine, this project will improve the settlement’s main community centre, where people come together for cultural, recreational and local activities throughout the year.

    Improvements are underway to the Community Hall, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance costs through boiler replacements, smart thermostats, low-flow fixtures, and LED and solar-powered lighting. The Community Hall at Elizabeth Métis Settlement is located in the centre of the community and is widely used by local residents as a gathering place for social activities and celebrations. The hall is a communal gathering place for youth and seniors. It features a stage for performances, a kitchen, a nursing station, outdoor play areas, and baseball diamonds. Improvements to this central hub for community members will enhance the quality of life for all members of Elizabeth Métis Settlement.

    The funding announced today by the federal government through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program aims to improve the places where Canadians work, learn, play, live, and gather by reducing pollution, reducing costs, and supporting thousands of good jobs. Through green and other retrofits to existing public community buildings and new construction in underserved communities, these investments will help ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long service life, while also helping Canada achieve its net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

    Quotes

    “Transforming recreational spaces into green and accessible places is important if we are to support Canadians. Energy efficiency in the Prairies is essential to the economic development of communities. By improving parts of the Elizabeth Métis Settlement, our government is working to create a better quality of life through investments that will last for generations to come.”

    The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “The natural environment has always been an important aspect of Métis culture. The Elizabeth Métis Settlement is proud to be part of Canada’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On behalf of our people and future generations, we thank you for your work and the steps you have taken to keep our beautiful country clean, hee hee.”

    Kathy Lepine, President, Elizabeth Métis Settlement

    Quick Facts

    The federal government is investing $249,999 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program, and the Elizabeth Métis Settlement is providing $39,719.

    These improvements should allow annual fuel savings of around 47.30% for the facility and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 79.30 tonnes.

    The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created to support Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the first pillar of the Plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency and helping to build resilience to climate change.

    The program provides $1.5 billion over five years for modernization, repair or improvement work that promotes the environment and accessibility.

    At least 10 percent of the funds are allocated to projects for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, which includes Indigenous populations in urban centres.

    The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program is now closed.

    On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Prairie Green Economy Framework, which highlights the need for a collaborative, regional approach to sustainability, focused on strengthening the coordination of federal programs and initiatives with significant investments. The Framework is the first step in a journey that will bring together many stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal department responsible for diversifying the economy in Canada’s Prairies, is providing $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to create a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.

    Infrastructure Canada supports the Prairie Green Economy Framework to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding and attract new investment to the Prairies to better meet their needs.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal Ahmed Manager, CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations Infrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Deloris Courtepatte Project ManagerElizabeth Métis Settlement587-986 0020courtepatteconsulting@gmail.com

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Media Advisory: Strathcona County Infrastructure Announcement

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    Media Advisory

    Strathcona County, Alberta, February 1, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities; His Worship Rod Frank, Mayor of Strathcona County; and Jackie Clayton, Mayor of Grande Prairie.

    Date: Friday, February 2, 2024

    Time: 10 a.m. (MST)

    Location: Bethel Transit Terminal 650 Bethel Drive Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 2N4

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal AhmedManager, CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsInfrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll Free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Strathcona County – Communications780-410-6565news.inquiries@strathcona.ca

    Philip CooperDirector, CommunicationsCity of Grande Prairie780-876-5805pcooper@cityofgp.com

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Minister Champagne to Participate in Conversation on Canada’s Leadership in Artificial Intelligence at Elevate Festival

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Media Advisory

    October 2, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario

    The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will join AmberMac Media President Amber Mac for a conversation during the Elevate Festival (English). Minister Champagne will discuss the government’s plans to strengthen Canada’s leadership, including a focus on artificial intelligence, which has the potential to transform industries, fuel economic growth and strengthen Canada’s global position in technology. Elevate Festival brings together leading innovators, industry leaders and members of the technology ecosystem to showcase Canada’s technology and innovation ecosystem on the international stage.

    Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024

    Time: 2:55 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    Location: Toronto, Ontario

    Media representatives are requested to register to confirm their attendance and obtain event location details:Rachael D’AmoreElevate Festival PR | Senior Director, Category Communicationsrd@categorycomms.com

    Contact persons

    Audrey MilettePress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industryaudrey.milette@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Media RelationsInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canadamedia@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Stay Connected

    For more information or to learn about the services offered by the Ministry, visit the websiteInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

    Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media.X (Twitter): @ISDE_CA | Facebook: Canadian Innovation | Instagram: @innovationcdn | LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Calgary’s South Fish Creek Complex Receives Funding for Green Improvements

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    Press release

    Calgary, Alberta, May 2, 2024 — Energy upgrades are coming to the South Fish Creek complex thanks to a joint investment of more than $1.2 million from the federal government, the YMCA of Calgary and the complex’s partners.

    Announced by MP George Chahal and Shannon Doram, President and CEO of the YMCA of Calgary, this project will extend the life of the facility and improve energy efficiency. The South Fish Creek complex has served the needs of Calgarians for over twenty years. These renovations will extend the life of the facility, improve air quality and energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By replacing the systems that keep the complex running, the YMCA will be able to continue to provide important services and programs that meet the needs of children, youth, newcomers and residents of all ages and backgrounds.

    The YMCA of Calgary will replace its current heating systems with more efficient models and upgrade air handling units. These upgrades are expected to generate cost savings that can be reallocated to meet the community’s future needs. The upgrades will allow the systems that help operate the complex to adapt to a changing environment, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere and improved air quality during the cold winter months and the scorching summer months.

    The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program aims to improve the places where Canadians work, learn, play, live and gather by reducing pollution and costs, while supporting thousands of good jobs. By making green and other improvements to existing public community buildings and constructing new buildings in underserved communities, the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program helps ensure the inclusivity, accessibility and longevity of community facilities, while helping Canada achieve its net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

    Quotes

    “The Shawnessy YMCA plays an important role in our community by preparing our children, youth, newcomer neighbours and people of all ages and backgrounds for success. The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program encourages innovative and clean solutions to help Canada adapt to a greener, lower-carbon economy. With the funding announced today, the South Fish Creek complex will be able to continue to meet the needs of Calgarians for years to come.”

    George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “The Shawnessy YMCA is an important community hub that provides Calgary’s rapidly growing southwest quadrant with a place to play, grow and connect. The Government of Canada’s investment through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program will enable the YMCA Calgary to be more energy efficient and help us deliver the programs and services that are essential to building vibrant communities for years to come. We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to address climate change and build community resilience.”

    Shannon Doram, President and CEO of the YMCA of Calgary

    “As the building owner of the South Fish Creek Recreation Centre, the City of Calgary is pleased with the energy efficiency upgrades made by the YMCA of Calgary. Not only will these upgrades ensure the facility will be available for future generations of Calgarians, they will also reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Addressing climate change is a strategic priority for the City of Calgary, and supporting our partners to reduce emissions is a key part of delivering on City Council’s commitment.”

    Tim Mowrey, Manager, Recreation, Sports and Community Partners, City of Calgary

    Quick Facts

    The federal government is investing $979,800 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program, and the YMCA of Calgary is providing $244,950.

    These improvements are expected to result in annual fuel savings of approximately 20.5% for the facility and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 268 tonnes.

    The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created to support Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the first pillar of the Plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency, and by helping to build resilience to climate change.

    The program provides $1.5 billion over five years for modernization, repair or improvement work that promotes the environment and accessibility.

    At least 10% of the funds are allocated to projects for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, which includes Indigenous populations in urban centres.

    The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program is now closed.

    On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Prairie Green Economy Framework, which highlights the need for a collaborative, regional approach to sustainability, focused on strengthening the coordination of federal programs and initiatives with significant investments. The Framework is the first step in a journey that will bring together many stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal department responsible for diversifying Canada’s Prairie economy, has committed $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to create a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.

    Infrastructure Canada supports the Prairie Green Economy Framework to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding and attract new investment to the Prairies to better meet needs.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal Ahmed Manager, CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations Infrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Dean Paddock Vice President, Community EngagementYMCA of CalgaryDean.Paddock@calgary.ymca.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-Evening Report: OECD comparisons reveal an unflattering picture of inequality in NZ – could that change?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Colin Campbell-Hunt, Emeritus Professor in Business, University of Otago

    Getty Images

    Recent research showing the richest New Zealanders pay less tax than their counterparts in nine similar OECD countries raises, yet again, serious questions about wealth, equality and fairness.

    How unequal is the distribution of income in New Zealand? How do we compare with some of the countries we might benchmark against? And, if we don’t like what we see, can we change it?

    The metric most widely used by economists to measure inequality in incomes is called the Gini coefficient (named after the Italian statistician Corrado Gini who developed it).

    It brings together income data across all households, typically divided into groupings of 10% or 20% of the total. When there is no inequality of incomes between groups, Gini equals zero. When the top group captures all income, Gini equals 1.

    Measuring inequality

    The graph below shows Gini coefficients, before taxes and welfare payments (known as “transfers”), for all 37 countries in the OECD in 2019 (before the COVID pandemic disrupted household surveys). Ginis are ranked left to right, from least to most unequal.

    The Gini before taxes and transfers is a measure of the inequality produced by the structures of a country’s economy: the way value chains operate, the markets for products and services, the scarcity of certain skills, rates of unionisation, and so on.

    This gives us a measure of structural inequalities in a country. Governments, however, use taxes and transfers to shift income between households. They take taxes from some and boost incomes of the more disadvantaged.

    Ginis of incomes after taxes and transfers give us a measure of how well members of a society can support similar standards of living. They are shown in the following graph, again from least to most unequal. These give us a measure of social inequalities.

    Focusing just on social inequality, it is no surprise Scandinavian countries are among the least unequal, as well as Canada and Ireland. Neither is it surprising the UK and US approach the highest levels of social inequality in the OECD.

    Inequalities in Australia and New Zealand lie between these, but further from the Scandinavians and closer to the Anglo-Americans.

    Social inequality in NZ

    When we look at the difference between structural and social inequalities, we can see the extent to which taxes and transfers – government redistribution of income – reduce inequality.

    As we can see, New Zealand’s structural inequality, shaped by the economic reforms of the mid-1980s, is middling by comparison to other OECD countries.

    But New Zealand’s social inequality lies near the bottom third of OECD measures. A halving of top income tax rates in the mid-1980s and the rollback of the welfare state in the 1990s (after then finance minister Ruth Richardson’s 1991 “mother of all budgets”) significantly contributed to this.

    The downward columns in the following graph show the effect of government redistributive measures, ranked from most to least active. The result of these government redistributions in New Zealand is weaker even than in the laissez-faire economies of the United Kingdom and United States.

    Where does NZ sit?

    How do New Zealand’s inequalities compare with countries we might choose to benchmark against?

    Below, the Scandinavian countries famous for their egalitarian social systems are shown in orange. In green are countries that tolerate slightly higher social inequality: Sweden, Canada and Ireland.

    And the UK and US – exemplars of free-market capitalism that were the models for New Zealand’s reforms of the mid-1980s – are highlighted in grey.

    Reducing inequality

    How hard would it be to change? Could New Zealand, for example, reduce its level of social inequality to match Canada? Absolutely, yes.

    Other OECD data show Canada significantly cut its inequalities between 2010 and 2019. The country moved from a position identical to Luxembourg (haven for Europe’s wealthy) to be roughly level with Sweden.

    To match Canada’s level now, New Zealand would need to reduce structural inequalities further, or redistribute about as much as Norway and Denmark do. It can be done, in other words.

    Indeed, Finland shows government redistributions can transform some of the worst levels of structural inequality to produce outcomes comparable to other Scandinavian countries.

    New Zealand can aspire to goals for social equality matching those in the upper half of OECD countries. Beyond revisions to taxation and transfers, inequalities in health and education would also need to come down to reduce the social and economic costs of poverty and disadvantage that should bring shame to us all.

    The author acknowledges the contribution of data provided by Max Rashbrooke.

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

    – ref. OECD comparisons reveal an unflattering picture of inequality in NZ – could that change? – https://theconversation.com/oecd-comparisons-reveal-an-unflattering-picture-of-inequality-in-nz-could-that-change-239306

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Edmonton, Alberta

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French

    Media Advisory

    Edmonton, Alberta, May 2, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director, Boyle Street Community Services.

    Date: Friday, May 3, 2024

    Time: 11:30 AM (MTD)

    Location: okimaw peyesew kamik (King Thunderbird Centre)10010 107a AveEdmonton, AB T5H 4H8

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Mathis Denis Press OfficerOffice of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages343-573-1846mathis.denis@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

    Media Relations Infrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada

    Elliott Tanti Director, Communications and EngagementBoyle Street Community Services587-338-4025etanti@boylestreet.org

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI