Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES NAMES 50 GLOBAL FINALISTS IN 2025 MAYORS CHALLENGE Including Lower Hutt

    Source: Bloomberg Philanthropies

    Finalists from 33 countries will receive $50,000 and support to test breakthrough ideas for improving life in cities – In January 2026, 25 winning cities will receive $1 million each to bring their idea to life.

    New York, NY – (June 25, 2025) – Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the 50 finalists of its latest Mayors Challenge, a competition to spur local government innovation that improves lives in cities around the world. The sixth Challenge elevates municipalities that have proposed the boldest ideas to bolster essential municipal services.

    From Boise to Belfast, Ansan to Addis Ababa, Toronto to Taipei, the 50 finalists, selected from more than 630 applications, hail from 33 countries and represent over 80 million residents. Their ideas aim to increase public transit ridership, lower household energy costs, expand urban green space, speed service response, strengthen sanitation, improve youth safety, safeguard water supply, and more.

    Each finalist city will receive $50,000 to prototype their idea. They will also participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp in July to hone and test their concepts with feedback from experts and fellow peers. In January 2026, the 25 city halls with the most promising ideas will each be awarded $1 million and operational assistance to bring their proposals to life.

    “Local government is where people meet policy—and where government improves lives and builds trust,” said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “That’s why municipal innovation isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about solving hard problems under pressure, often with imperfect tools and finite resources. These Mayors Challenge finalists stand out because they’re not just thinking creatively—they’re designing solutions that reckon with the complexity of implementation and the urgency of their residents’ needs. Their proposals reflect a new standard for public sector achievement: ambitious, yes, but also grounded, disciplined, and ripe for real impact.”

    The 630 ideas submitted to the Mayors Challenge reflect some of the greatest public service challenges facing cities today—as well as the creativity that animates local governments across the globe. A third of U.S. and Canada applicants, for example, devised solutions addressing housing and shelter. Nearly half of the applicants from Africa proposed upgrades to waste collection and management. One out of five applicants from the Asia-Pacific region focused on cleaner water, air, and infrastructure, and 22 percent of European applicants sought ways to reduce poverty or enhance social inclusion.

    The 50 finalist ideas were selected for their originality, potential for impact, and credible vision for delivery. Artificial intelligence was featured in the plans of a number of finalists, including South Bend, Indiana, which envisioned a cutting-edge 311 system that anticipates complaints for non-emergency issues, such as potholes, allowing officials to address problems before a resident report. More analog innovations also rose to the top: In Yonkers, New York, city officials proposed a powerful new hyper-local civic brigade to help older neighbors age happily and healthfully in place.

    The 50 finalist cities are:

    • Abha, Saudi Arabia
    • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    • Ansan, South Korea
    • As-Salt, Jordan
    • Barcelona, Spain
    • Beaverton, U.S
    • Beira, Mozambique
    • Belfast, United Kingdom
    • Benin City, Nigeria
    • Boise, U.S.
    • Boston, U.S.
    • Budapest, Hungary
    • Cap-Haïtien, Haiti
    • Cape Town, South Africa
    • Cartagena, Colombia
    • Cauayan, Philippines
    • Choma, Zambia
    • Cuenca, Ecuador
    • Detroit, U.S.
    • Fez, Morocco
    • Fukuoka, Japan
    • Ghaziabad, India
    • Ghent, Belgium
    • Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, India
    • Helsinki, Finland
    • Honolulu, U.S.
    • Kanifing, Gambia
    • Kyiv, Ukraine
    • Lafayette, U.S.
    • Lower Hutt, New Zealand
    • Maceió, Brazil
    • Marseille, France
    • Medellín, Colombia
    • Mexico City, Mexico
    • Naga, Philippines
    • Ndola, Zambia
    • Netanya, Israel
    • Nouakchott, Mauritania
    • Pasig, Philippines
    • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • San Francisco, U.S.
    • Seattle, U.S.
    • Seoul, South Korea
    • Sialkot, Pakistan
    • South Bend, U.S.
    • Surabaya, Indonesia
    • Taipei, Taiwan
    • Toronto, Canada
    • Turku, Finland
    • Yonkers, U.S.

    In this round of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, more funding will be distributed and more cities will be assisted than in the previous five Challenges which each selected between five to 15 winners. 

    “Local government and mayors’ offices are the beating heart of innovation and change in our urban environments,” said Professor Lesley Lokko OBE, Founder and Chair of the African Futures Institute and 2025 Mayors Challenge advisory committee member. “It has been an honour to join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ advisory committee for the organization’s sixth Mayors Challenge, an initiative dedicated to empowering and supporting city makers around the world. I look forward to working with these 50 finalists as they advance in this extraordinary competition—strengthening their ideas which each represent the inventiveness citizens everywhere should expect from their governments—and the future of what municipal delivery has the power and potential to be.”

    “For more than a decade, Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided unprecedented support to drive local government innovation in cities across the country and around the world,” said Admiral Michael G. Mullen, President & CEO of MGM Consulting and 2025 Mayors Challenge advisory committee member. “The organization’s sixth Mayors Challenge will invest in the future of urban delivery from the ground floor of communities—and I am thrilled to join its advisory committee and work with these finalist cities on accelerating their ideas – from safeguarding water supply to carving out community spaces to integrating AI to improve student routes, and more.”

    The new Mayors Challenge builds on more than 10 years of work led by Bloomberg Philanthropies to discover, nurture, and drive innovation in cities. The awards to date across five previous rounds of competition have provided 38 winning cities with funding and technical assistance to realize their ideas for addressing civic issues. By supporting the replication of the most successful winning ideas, Bloomberg Philanthropies has expanded the impact of the Mayors Challenge to 337 other cities globally, reaching over 100 million residents around the world.

    “Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided invaluable support for cities to develop and implement innovative solutions that improve the lives of residents in ways they can feel,” said Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit, Michigan. “Detroit is honored to be among the 50 municipalities selected from over 630 applications for the organization’s Mayors Challenge. As a finalist, we will work with renowned experts and peers to advance our proposal to create a powerful, single entry that connects currently scattered information – such as inspection dates, taxes, and utilities – on all 400,000 Detroit properties to revolutionize how owners can access this vital information, as well as how our city plans and provides its most essential services.”

    “Seoul is honored to be selected as one of the 50 finalists for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge competition,” said Mayor Oh Se-hoon of Seoul, South Korea. “As a finalist, we will further our proposal to launch powerful educational campaigns and new support systems that will protect youth safety and prevent online child exploitation through the development of an AI-based mobile app that detects risks and alerts parents – while working alongside other cities to set a new standard for the future of urban policy.”

    “City halls deliver the most fundamental public services—from reliable public transport to affordable housing, clean water, sustainable environments, emergency response, and more,” said Mayor Gergely Karácsony of Budapest, Hungary. “Recognizing their potential and reach, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge rewards and equips those with the most inventive ideas to lead transformations of the essential programs their communities rely on. We are honored that Budapest is one of the 50 finalists selected to further our idea to build a city-run food processing plant that can turn surplus fruits and vegetables from local markets into nutritious meals for schools and senior homes.”

    “It is an honor to be selected as a finalist for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge,” said Mayor Sunita Dayal of Ghaziabad, India. “As we pursue our idea to improve our environment alongside bolstering our workforce – converting organic waste into white rooftop paint and compost to cool homes, green parks, and lower emissions while providing new job opportunities – we have a unique opportunity to incubate innovation that will move our communities forward.” 

    “Thank you to Bloomberg Philanthropies for seeing our vision to improve the quality of life for seniors across our city,” said Mayor Mike Spano of Yonkers, New York. “We are honored to be among 50 finalists selected for the prestigious global Mayors Challenge competition. As a finalist, we will look to create a fully sustainable model for community engagement – marshaling public and private partners as well as residents and students – coupled with innovative technology and tools to enable many more to age safely and gracefully in place.” 

    With the expansion of the Bloomberg Cities Idea Exchange, future Mayors Challenge-winning ideas and other locally led solutions supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies will have new potential to scale—serving as models and catalysts for how governments solve problems across the globe. 

    To learn more about the 50 finalist proposals, visit mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org

    About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
    Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org,

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: Electronic Health Records (EHR) Market Valued at USD 33.45 Billion in 2024, Set to Grow at 4.59% CAGR Through 2032 | AnalystView Market Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, USA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market was valued at USD 33,451.20 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.59% from 2025 to 2032. This growth is driven by the global shift toward digital healthcare infrastructure, government mandates for record standardization, and the rising demand for efficient patient data management across hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory care centers. EHR systems are digital versions of a patient’s paper chart, offering real-time, patient-centered records that make information instantly and securely available to authorized users. They are critical for improving coordination between care providers, minimizing medical errors, and enhancing overall clinical outcomes.

    Government initiatives worldwide are playing a key role in promoting EHR adoption. Programs such as the U.S. HITECH Act, the EU’s digital health transformation goals, and India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are pushing healthcare providers toward digitization. At the same time, the rise of value-based care, telehealth, and mobile health applications has increased the need for interoperable and cloud-based EHR systems. The market is witnessing significant technological advancements, including integration with AI, predictive analytics, and mobile platforms, which enable better clinical decision-making and patient engagement. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, and interoperability issues between different systems remain key hurdles, particularly in emerging markets.

    North America dominates the global EHR market, backed by strong digital infrastructure and initiatives like the U.S. HITECH Act, which allocated over $35 billion to promote EHR adoption. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, fueled by rising healthcare investments—India’s health budget rose 13% in 2023—and national digitization drives like China’s “Healthy China 2030.” Supportive policies, growing urbanization, and expanding patient volumes are accelerating EHR integration across the region, attracting global players and investors alike.

    Unlock in-depth insights and forecasts – Get your FREE sample report of the EHR market today: https://analystviewmarketinsights.com/request_sample/AV4020

    Key Players- Detailed Competitive Insights

    • Cerner Corporation
    • GE Healthcare
    • Veradigm LLC
    • Epic Systems Corporation
    • eClinicalWorks
    • Greenway Health, LLC
    • NextGen Healthcare, Inc.
    • Medical Information Technology, Inc.
    • CPSI
    • AdvancedMD, Inc.
    • Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
    • MEDHOST
    • Athenahealth
    • McKesson Corporation
    • Siemens Healthineers
    • Oracle Corporation

    Market Dynamics

    Drivers

    1. Government Mandates and Incentives: Many countries are accelerating Electronic Health Records (EHR) adoption through targeted policies. In the U.S., CMS’s Promoting Interoperability Program ties Medicare reimbursements to EHR usage. Germany’s Hospital Future Act allocated €4.3 billion for digital upgrades, while Australia’s My Health Record achieved over 90% population coverage. India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aims to create a unified health ID system, promoting seamless data exchange. These initiatives are driving global healthcare digitalization and fostering integrated patient care systems.
    2. Rising Demand for Streamlined Healthcare Delivery: For example, Mayo Clinic uses integrated EHRs to reduce duplication, streamline workflows, and access real-time patient data—cutting documentation time and improving care coordination across departments and specialties. 
    3. Growth in Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: The global shift toward telemedicine post-COVID-19 has increased the need for centralized digital records that can be accessed remotely. This trend is pushing both public and private healthcare providers to invest in cloud-based and interoperable EHR systems.
    4. Data-Driven Decision Making in Healthcare: As data becomes a core asset in personalized medicine and value-based care models, EHRs serve as critical repositories of patient history, lab reports, medications, and imaging data.

    Challenges

    • High Implementation and Maintenance Costs: The cost of deploying EHR software, training staff, and maintaining IT infrastructure can be prohibitive for small healthcare facilities, especially in developing nations.
    • Interoperability and Data Security Concerns: Although EHRs are designed to improve information sharing, achieving true interoperability across different systems remains a challenge. Moreover, the sensitive nature of health data makes security and compliance with data protection regulations (like HIPAA and GDPR) a critical issue.

    Opportunities

    • Integration with AI and analytics in EHRs enables predictive insights—such as Mount Sinai Hospital using AI models within EHRs to identify sepsis risk early, improving response time and patient outcomes. This innovation is driving demand for intelligent, data-driven systems.
    • Mobile and Cloud-Based EHRs: The adoption of mobile health apps and cloud platforms enables real-time access to health data, especially beneficial in rural and underserved regions.

    Regional Insights

    North America

    North America holds 42.50% of the global EHR market, driven by the U.S.’s early adoption and digital health funding. Epic Systems powers major hospital networks like Kaiser Permanente, while Canada’s Infoway initiative accelerates EHR integration, ensuring secure, interoperable data across provinces.

    Europe

    Europe is a mature yet fragmented market for EHRs. Countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are progressing well in EHR integration, while others lag due to privacy concerns and inconsistent digital policies. The EU’s push toward unified health records under the European Health Data Space initiative could streamline EHR adoption across member states.

    Asia-Pacific

    The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, increased healthcare spending, and the digitalization efforts in countries like India, China, and Australia are major contributors. Government-backed programs such as India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and China’s Smart Healthcare initiative are significantly driving EHR deployment.

    Latin America & Middle East

    Both regions are gradually embracing EHR systems. Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have initiated digital health reforms. However, budget constraints and a lack of infrastructure remain key barriers. International partnerships and private investments are expected to unlock growth potential in these markets.

    TABLE OF CONTENT

    1. Electronic Health Records Market Overview
    1.1. Study Scope
    1.2. Market Estimation Years
    2. Executive Summary
    2.1. Market Snippet
    2.1.1. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Product
    2.1.2. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Type
    2.1.3. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Business Model
    2.1.4. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Application
    2.1.5. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By End Use
    2.1.6. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet by Country
    2.1.7. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet by Region
    2.2. Competitive Insights
    3. Electronic Health Records Key Market Trends
    3.1. Electronic Health Records Market Drivers
    3.1.1. Impact Analysis of Market Drivers
    3.2. Electronic Health Records Market Restraints
    3.2.1. Impact Analysis of Market Restraints
    3.3. Electronic Health Records Market Opportunities
    3.4. Electronic Health Records Market Future Trends
    4. Electronic Health Records Industry Study
    4.1. PEST Analysis
    4.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    4.3. Growth Prospect Mapping
    4.4. Regulatory Framework Analysis
    5. Electronic Health Records Market: Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions
    5.1. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
    5.2. Impact of Russia-Ukraine War
    5.3. Impact of Middle East Conflicts
    6. Electronic Health Records Market Landscape
    6.1. Electronic Health Records Market Share Analysis, 2024
    6.2. Breakdown Data, by Key Manufacturer
    6.2.1. Established Players’ Analysis
    6.2.2. Emerging Players’ Analysis
    7. Electronic Health Records Market – By Product
    7.1. Overview
    7.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Product, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    7.1.2. On-premises
    7.1.3. Web & Cloud-Based EHR
    8. Electronic Health Records Market – By Type
    8.1. Overview
    8.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Type, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    8.1.2. Acute
    8.1.3. Outpatient
    8.1.4. Post Acute
    9. Electronic Health Records Market – By Business Model
    9.1. Overview
    9.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Business Model, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    9.1.2. Licensed Software
    9.1.3. Technology Resale
    9.1.4. Subscriptions
    9.1.5. Professional Services
    9.1.6. Others
    10. Electronic Health Records Market – By Application
    10.1. Overview
    10.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Application, 2024 & 2032 (%)
    10.1.2. Cardiology
    10.1.3. Neurology
    10.1.4. Radiology ………

    Reasons to Invest in the EHR Market

    1. Essential Role in Modern Healthcare Systems
      EHRs are no longer optional but a fundamental part of modern healthcare. As hospitals strive to improve patient care, safety, and efficiency, EHRs serve as a backbone for digital health ecosystems.
    2. Regulatory Push and Compliance Standards
      Investment in compliant EHR systems helps healthcare providers align with stringent data protection laws while avoiding penalties and securing patient trust.
    3. Increasing Healthcare Expenditure
      Globally, healthcare budgets are expanding. A significant portion is being directed toward digital infrastructure, making EHR vendors prime beneficiaries of government and institutional funding.
    4. Rising Adoption of Cloud and AI Technologies
      EHR vendors integrating cloud capabilities and AI features offer enhanced scalability, analytics, and patient engagement. These smart EHRs are more future-proof and attractive to investors.
    5. Long-Term Cost Benefits for Healthcare Providers
      Despite initial costs, EHR systems lead to long-term savings by reducing administrative workload, avoiding duplication of tests, and minimizing errors.

    Future Outlook

    The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market is poised for a tech-driven evolution, with AI integration, cloud-based platforms, and interoperability leading the way. By 2032, real-time data exchange, as seen in the U.K.’s NHS Federated Data Platform and India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, will become standard.

    Growing cybersecurity investments and patient-centric innovations are redefining EHR functionality. With global healthcare systems embracing value-based care, the market is set for intelligent, adaptive, and patient-connected growth worldwide.

    Discover the Full Study : https://analystviewmarketinsights.com/reports/report-highlight-electronic-health-records-market

    Explore More Research Titles in the Healthcare Category by AnalystView Market Insights:

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Acceleware Announces RF XL 2.0

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acceleware® Ltd. (“Acceleware” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: AXE), a leading innovator of cutting-edge radio frequency (“RF”) power-to-heat technologies targeting process heat for critical minerals, amine regeneration (for carbon capture and other applications), and enhanced oil production, is pleased to announce details of the next generation of RF XL, (“RF XL 2.0”) and a new demonstration plan (the “Demonstration”).

    “RF XL”, Acceleware’s enhanced oil recovery (“EOR”) technology that uses RF heating to energize oil formations, is a major innovation that could potentially decarbonize heavy oil and oil sands production effectively and efficiently by materially lowering costs compared to other EOR techniques, increasing the recovery factor, and potentially stimulating investment.

    The RF XL Marwayne deployment was supported by three major operators and progressed from Technology Readiness Level (“TRL”) 4 to TRL 8, with its core technology, the Clean Tech Inverter (“CTI”) progressing to TRL 9. This deployment successfully demonstrated RF XL’s potential by heating the reservoir and increasing temperatures in the production well while achieving the highest power level and longest continuous run time for any RF based EOR technology.

    Buoyed by the initial results at Marwayne, and the promise of increased oil production with higher power, Acceleware was encouraged by funders and industry partners to upgrade and improve to next generation RF XL 2.0.  

    Key components of the RF XL 2.0 development process included:

    • Confirmed industry support for a sub-surface energy delivery system incorporating multiple technical advances over the previous RF XL design.
    • Completed a ‘ground-up’ redesign program of the subsurface RF transmission lines, culminating in a hermetically sealed energy delivery system that eliminates the possibility of water ingress.
    • Resulting benefits are a robust leak-proof design, reduced manufacturing costs, reduced well design and well completion costs, quicker well completion time, simpler and less costly wellhead design, and safer wellhead operating environment.

    Acceleware is currently seeking funding for the RF XL 2.0 Demonstration: a commercial-scale project that builds on work performed to date and could showcase RF XL’s ability to enhance recovery in heavy oil reservoirs – particularly in the Lloydminster area – and increase production while decarbonizing. A previously announced non-dilutive grant in the amount of $1.31 million from the Clean Resource Innovation Network has been withdrawn due to timing constraints – eligible costs had to have been incurred between January 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. However, multiple non-dilutive funding calls from both provincial and federal agencies are currently available and are being pursued.

    Said Acceleware’s CEO Geoff Clark, “Combining the potential to economically produce more oil faster while decarbonizing is a compelling scenario for industry and governments alike. Once proven at commercial scale, RF XL 2.0 could serve to support Canada’s ambition to lead as a G7 energy innovator and superpower. We have a bold strategy in place to progress the technology as quickly as possible – we are keen to show the world what RF XL 2.0 can do.”

    About Acceleware: 
    Acceleware is an advanced electromagnetic heating company with cutting-edge RF power-to-heat solutions for large industrial applications. The Company’s technologies provide an opportunity to electrify and decarbonize industrial process heat applications while reducing costs. 

    The Company is working to use its patented and field proven CTI to materially improve the efficiency of amine regeneration, and has partnered with a consortium of world-class potash partners seeking to decarbonize drying of potash ore and other critical minerals. Acceleware is actively developing other process heat applications and partnerships for RF heating.  

    Acceleware’s RF XL is a patented low-cost, low-carbon RF thermal enhanced oil production technology for heavy oil that is materially different from any enhanced recovery technique used today. 

    Acceleware is a public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”) under the trading symbol “AXE”. 

    Cautionary Statements  
    This news release contains forward-looking statements and/or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this release, such words as “will”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “expects”, “could” and similar expressions, as they relate to Acceleware, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Acceleware with respect to future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause Acceleware’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance or achievement that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Certain information and statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, which reflects Acceleware’s current expectations regarding future events, including, but not limited to: the potential benefits and commercialization of RF XL and CTI, the development and execution of a the Demonstration; the Company’s ability to successfully execute the Demonstration; the expected benefits of the Demonstration; the ability of the Company to raise sufficient capital to execute the Demonstration; potential restructuring efforts of the Company’s business lines; the potential acquisition by the Company of certain assets, deployment of RF XL 2.0; and related potential for multi-well expansion; the initiatives to be implemented by management to shift the Company’s focus from research and development to cash flow generation; the receipt of applicable approvals (including board, shareholder, and approvals of the TSXV) to implement key components of the Demonstration; the timing to complete certain increments of the Demonstration; and the impact of the Demonstration on Acceleware’s business and shareholder value. 

    Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the availability of potential heavy oil production rights in western Canada, the availability of investment capital and other funding, the high degree of uncertainties inherent to feasibility and economic studies which are based to a significant extent on various assumptions; variations in commodity prices and exchange rate fluctuations; variations in cost of supplies and labour; lack of availability of qualified personnel; receipt of necessary approvals; availability of financing for technology and project development; uncertainties and risks with respect to developing and adopting new technologies; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; change in demand for technologies to be offered by the Company; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities and/or shareholders, as applicable; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. For a more fulsome list of risk factors please see the Company’s December 31, 2024, year-end Management Discussion and Analysis available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 

    Management of the Company has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking statements provided in this release to provide shareholders with a more complete perspective on the Company’s current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 

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

    This press release is intended for distribution in Canada only and is not intended for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States. 

    For more information: 

    Geoff Clark 
    Tel: +1 (403) 249-9099 
    geoff.clark@acceleware.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape

    At Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit 2025, finance and energy industry experts highlighted massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to build a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for all Canadians.

    Toronto, June 25, 2025— More than 200 people attended the second edition of Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit, a full-day conference presented by CIBC and held at CIBC Square in downtown Toronto today.

    This annual event brings together clean energy companies and investment experts to discuss the particularities of investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects, aiming to understand the current financial landscape of Canada’s clean-energy industry, which stands ready to build modular, scalable, clean energy projects at pace to serve Canadian industries, businesses and homes.

    “Clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage, and Canada is open for business: CanREA is currently tracking more than 18 GW of new clean energy projects, representing more than $34 billion in investment, and there continues to be massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to collaborate in building a cleaner energy future for Canadians,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

    “As global electricity demand continues to rise, we must accelerate the planning and execution of clean energy projects to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable power for our industries, businesses and households.”

    Many leading Canadian finance and energy experts highlighted the critical role of strategic investments and policy support in accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition in the current geopolitical landscape.

    “As markets across Canada continue to seek new energy sources, the clean electricity sector has a unique opportunity to satisfy some of those needs and CIBC is ready to support our clients’ ambitions in the sector,” said James Brooks, Managing Director & Co-Head, Energy, Infrastructure & Transition, Global Investment Banking, CIBC.

    Roman Dubczak (Deputy Chair at CIBC Capital Markets), delivered the Summit’s opening remarks, alongside CanREA’s Bellissimo, followed by a keynote address from Sashen Guneratna (Managing Director, Investments, at Canada Infrastructure Bank).

    In the opening plenary, “Global trends, local impacts: How will international trade and energy policies affect Canada’s clean energy markets,” moderator Michelle Chislett (Executive VP at Northland Power) and panelists James Brooks (Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Banking at CIBC), Elizabeth Kaiga (CCO of Energy Systems, North America at DNV) and Ryan Lax (Counsel, Torys LLP) provided informed answers to urgent questions about the current global trade and energy landscape and how to navigate these turbulent times.

    Other highlights included:

    In “Cutting edge: Financing emerging clean power technologies,” panelists delved into the innovative tech poised to burst onto the clean-power scene—and the supply chains required to service them.

    In “Indigenous equity financing: Funding opportunities for clean energy partnerships,” speakers identified well-known obstacles and various financing and investment solutions for Indigenous communities seeking equity partnerships.

    In “Mapping the political landscape: Policy insights for Canada’s clean power industry,” speakers discussed Canada’s current energy and electricity policies as the cornerstone of our economic growth and national sovereignty.

    In “Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025,” representatives of CanREA and Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors offered a preview of their upcoming report, launching in September 2025, which will present a comprehensive forecast and analysis of the future costs and market outlook for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage technologies across Canada.

    At the annual “CanREA Connects Ontario” networking reception, nearly 300 industry professionals capped off the Summit with drinks, laughs and discussions about the day’s topics.

    “This year’s Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit investigated the financial mechanisms driving Canada’s clean energy future and examined how we can ensure the investment needed to accelerate the deployment of all the affordable clean power we will need in the coming years,” said Wesley Johnston, CanREA’s Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations.

    “This event is about more than just capital—it’s about collaboration between developers, investors, Indigenous partners and policymakers, to get clean energy projects built on time and on budget.”

    CanREA wishes to thank all attendees, moderators and speakers for helping to make the Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit a success. A special word of thanks to our Presenting Sponsor CIBC, as well as Platinum Sponsors Vancity Community Investment Bank (VCIB) & Northland Power, Gold Sponsors DNV, Gowling WLG & Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, Silver Sponsors Goldwind, EDF, LCAB & Osler, and Bronze Sponsors Innergex, Compass Energy Consulting, RES Group, TACT, KPMG, Hub International, PCL Construction, Phoventus & Nordex.

    Photos

    Photo: More than 200 people attended the second annual Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit, held June 25 in downtown Toronto. This full-day conference, hosted by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), brings together industry leaders and investment experts, aiming to open dialogue between Canada’s finance and clean power industries.

    Photo: Roman Dubczak, Deputy Chair at CIBC Capital Markets, delivered opening remarks from the Summit’s Presenting Sponsor, CIBC.

    Photo: The opening plenary, “Global trends, local impacts: How will international trade and energy policies affect Canada’s clean energy markets,” featured moderator Michelle Chislett (Executive VP at Northland Power) and panelists James Brooks (Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Banking at CIBC), Elizabeth Kaiga (CCO of Energy Systems, North America at DNV) and Ryan Lax (Counsel, Torys LLP).

    Quotes

    “As markets across Canada continue to seek new energy sources, the clean electricity sector has a unique opportunity to satisfy some of those needs and CIBC is ready to support our clients’ ambitions in the sector.”
    —James Brooks, Managing Director & Co-Head, Energy, Infrastructure & Transition, Global Investment Banking CIBC

    “Clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage, and Canada is open for business: CanREA is currently tracking more than 18 GW of new clean energy projects, representing more than $34 billion in investment, and there continues to be massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to collaborate in building a cleaner energy future for Canadians. As global electricity demand continues to rise, we must accelerate the planning and execution of clean energy projects to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable power for our industries, businesses and households.”
    —Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

    “This year’s Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit investigated the financial mechanisms driving Canada’s clean energy future and examined how we can ensure the investment needed to accelerate the deployment of all the affordable clean power we will need in the coming years. This event is about more than just capital—it’s about collaboration between developers, investors, Indigenous partners and policymakers, to get clean energy projects built on time and on budget.”
    —Wesley Johnston, Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

    For interview opportunities, please contact:

    Michaela Ianni, Communications SpecialistCanadian Renewable Energy Association613-805-4465communications@renewablesassociation.ca

    About CanREA

    The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca. 

    The post News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Annual report updates collective efforts to advance reconciliation

    The 2024-25 Declaration Act Annual Report showcases the collaborative effort being made by the Province and Indigenous Peoples to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) in B.C. and build a better future.

    The report, which covers the period between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, details work underway on 78 of 89 specific Declaration Act Action Plan actions, as well progress to align provincial laws with the UN Declaration.

    The Province is working shoulder to shoulder with Indigenous governments and organizations on partnerships that support healthy communities, improve the education system, create economic opportunities, strengthen sustainable stewardship of the land, water and resources, and improve services and community safety.

    Highlights found within the report include:

    • Launching a new co-governance structure with 17 First Nations and Canada to protect and conserve marine wildlife and habitats in the Great Bear Sea, and support stewardship efforts led by First Nations (learn more on page 36 of the report).
    • Creating partnerships between Indigenous knowledge holders and the Province on cultural and prescribed fires. This includes expanding the number of engaged, knowledgeable and experienced people who can safely and collaboratively use fire as a tool for land stewardship, while working to remove existing barriers to Indigenous uses of fire (page 46).
    • Putting a new graduation requirement in place for the 2023-24 school year ensures all students complete Indigenous-focused coursework before they graduate from B.C.’s K-12 education system. More than 45,000 graduates have completed at least four Indigenous-focused courses since implementation of the new requirement. Prior to implementation, fewer than 5% of graduates had taken any Indigenous-focused courses at the secondary-school level (page 61).
    • Ensuring children have the best start by supporting the creation of 483 Métis-led child care spaces throughout B.C. and 2,200 free Aboriginal Head Start child care spaces with culturally relevant programming (page 114).
    • Recognizing the integral role First Nations-mandated post-secondary institutes play in supporting First Nations learners and providing these centres with ongoing funding through new legislation (page 130).

    Learn More:

    Read the sixth Declaration Act Annual Report to learn more about the cross-government efforts to advance reconciliation – guided by the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and in meaningful consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/2024_2025_declaration_act_annual_report.pdf

    Explore the refreshed Declaration Act website and reporting from the first three years of the Declaration Act Action Plan: https://declaration.gov.bc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI: Clairvest Reports Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clairvest Group Inc. (TSX: CVG) today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2025 and events which occurred subsequent to year end. (All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)

    Highlights

    • March 31, 2025 book value was $1,251.6 million or $88.30 per share compared with $1,234.3 million or $86.78 per share as at December 31, 2024 and $1,176.3 million or $80.16 per share as at March 31, 2024
    • Net income for the fourth quarter was $20.7 million or $1.46 per share as the fair value of certain investments increased
    • Net income for fiscal 2025 was $122.0 million or $8.47 per share. During fiscal 2025, Clairvest had $46.1 million of net realized gains from the realization of four investments and $44.8 million of net investment gains on its remaining private equity portfolio
    • Subsequent to year end, Clairvest and Clairvest Equity Partners VII (“CEP VII”) invested in NCS Engineers
    • Also subsequent to year end, Clairvest and CEP VII invested in Beneficial Reuse Management
    • Also subsequent to year end, Clairvest declared an annual dividend of $1.4 million, or $0.10 per share, and a special dividend of $11.1 million, or $0.7830 per share, both payable on July 25, 2025

    Clairvest’s book value was $1,251.6 million or $88.30 per share as at March 31, 2025, compared with $1,234.3 million or $86.78 per share as at December 31, 2024 and $1,176.3 million or $80.16 per share as at March 31 2024. For the year ended March 31, 2025, Clairvest had invested a total of $53 million in three new deals and follow-on investments and exited four investments for total proceeds of $141 million. As at March 31, 2025, cash, cash equivalents and temporary investments excluding marketable securities, as reported under IFRS, were $250 million. In addition, our acquisition entities held $139 million in cash, cash equivalents and temporary investments as at March 31, 2025 bringing total available cash to $389 million. In aggregate, this represented 31% of our book value as at March 31, 2025, or approximately $27 per share.

    Net income for the fourth quarter was $20.7 million, or $1.46 per share. The net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 reflects a net increase in the fair value of Clairvest’s investee companies and a corresponding increase in carried interest from the CEP Funds.

    Net income for the fiscal year was $122 million or $8.47 per share. During the fiscal year, Clairvest divested its investments in Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island, Chilean Gaming Holdings, FSB Technology and Durante Rentals for net realized gains of $46.1 million, while the rest of the portfolio experienced net investment gains of $44.8 million, inclusive of foreign exchange gains. Following the realization of Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island, Clairvest was awarded the 2025 CVCA Private Equity Global Dealmaker of the Year for the sale of this investment.

    During the fiscal year, 500,070 shares were purchased and cancelled for a total purchase price of $35 million, or at an average price of $70.01 per share. These purchases were accretive to the book value per share.

    In April 2025, and as previously announced, Clairvest together with CEP VII made a US$22.4 million (C$32.1 million) minority preferred equity investment in NCS Engineers, a provider of turn-key water and wastewater engineering solutions across the United States. Clairvest’s portion of the investment was US$5.6 million (C$8.0 million).

    In May 2025, and as previously announced, Clairvest together with CEP VII made a US$72.5 million (C$100.6 million) equity investment in Beneficial Reuse Management, a U.S.-based company which distributes products to the agriculture, landscape, wallboard, and construction end-markets by reusing or converting certain industrial waste streams into value-add products. Clairvest’s portion of the investment was US$18.1 million (C$25.1 million).

    “Fiscal 2025 was a productive year across Clairvest, marked by strong progress in our portfolio and continued investment momentum, despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Our portfolio companies, on the whole, are performing well, and we remain confident in our ability to build long-term value alongside our entrepreneur partners. With CEP VII now underway with its first three investments, we are energized by the opportunities ahead and remain focused on backing aligned entrepreneurs in our active domains,” said Ken Rotman, CEO of Clairvest. “We were also honoured to receive the 2025 CVCA Private Equity Global Dealmaker of the Year award for our investment in Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island – our ninth time being recognized by the CVCA. Clairvest and CEP V achieved a 7.5x MOIC and a 24% internal rate of return on this investment. Our partnership with the Winters family spans three separate investments over 18 years, and this transaction marks another excellent outcome driven by long-term alignment, patience, and mutual trust.”

    Also subsequent to year end, Clairvest declared an annual ordinary dividend of $0.10 per share and a special dividend of $0.7830 per share, such that in aggregate, the dividends represent 1% of the March 31, 2025 book value. Both dividends will be payable on July 25, 2025 to common shareholders of record as of July 4, 2025 and are eligible dividends for Canadian income tax purposes.

    Summary of Financial Results – Unaudited
             
    Financial Results(1) Quarter ended Year ended
    March 31 March 31
    2025 2024 2025 2024
    ($000’s, except per share amounts) $ $ $ $
    Net investment gain (loss) 11,438 22,024 15,248 (19,385)
    Net carried interest from Clairvest Equity Partners III and IV (292) 1,005 4,169 3,700
    Distributions, interest income, dividends and fees 19,386 11,897 157,064 52,336
    Total expenses (recovery), excluding income taxes 9,746 1,592 37,940 39,824
    Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) 20,721 26,103 122,042 (3,353)
    Basic and fully diluted net income (loss) per share 1.46 1.78 8.47 (0.23)
    Financial Position March 31 March 31
    2025 2024
    ($000’s, except share information and per share amounts) $ $
    Total assets 1,429,435 1,342,139
    Total cash, cash equivalents and temporary investments 295,728 330,193
    Carried interest from Clairvest Equity Partners III and IV 48,517 52,188
    Corporate investments(1) 942,857 870,660
    Total liabilities 177,844 165,842
    Management participation from Clairvest Equity Partners III and IV 37,718 41,506
    Book value(2) 1,251,591 1,176,297
    Common shares outstanding 14,173,631 14,673,701
    Book value per share(2) 88.30 80.16
    (1) Includes carried interest of $141,897 (2024: $143,617) and management participation of $105,457 (2024: $103,740) from Clairvest Equity Partners V, VI and VII and $162,235 (2024: $90,973) in cash, cash equivalents and temporary investments held by Clairvest’s acquisition entities.
    (2) Book value is a non-IFRS measure calculated as the value of total assets less the value of total liabilities.
         

    Clairvest’s annual fiscal 2025 financial statements and MD&A are available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and the Clairvest website at www.clairvest.com.

    About Clairvest

    Clairvest’s mission is to partner with entrepreneurs to help them build strategically significant businesses. Founded in 1987 by a group of successful Canadian entrepreneurs, Clairvest is a top performing private equity management firm with over CAD $4.6 billion of capital under management. Clairvest invests its own capital and that of third parties through the Clairvest Equity Partners limited partnerships in owner-led businesses. Under the current management team, Clairvest has initiated investments in 69 different platform companies and generated top quartile performance over an extended period.

    Contact Information

    Stephanie Lo
    Director of Investor Relations and Marketing
    Clairvest Group Inc.
    Tel: (416) 925-9270
    Fax: (416) 925-5753
    stephaniel@clairvest.com

    Forward-looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to Clairvest Group Inc., its subsidiaries, its CEP limited partnerships and their investments. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Clairvest, its subsidiaries, its CEP limited partnerships and their investments to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include general and economic business conditions and regulatory risks. Clairvest is under no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein should material facts change due to new information, future events or otherwise.

    www.clairvest.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Seeds of innovation: Investing in agri-research

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Wildfire Update – June 25

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 25, 2025

    As of 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, there are 19 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, two are categorized as contained, five are not contained, nine are ongoing assessment and three are listed as protecting values.

    This year, Saskatchewan has had 267 wildfires, which is well above the five-year average of 166 to date.

    Three communities remain under an evacuation order: East Trout Lake, as well as priority individuals from Creighton and Denare Beach. Priority individuals from Cumberland House have been repatriated.

    The SPSA’s Recovery Task Team continues to meet with community leaders to discuss recovery efforts.     

    Over $4 million has been transferred directly to residents as well as communities that are distributing the $500 Government of Saskatchewan Financial Assistance to their residents that have been impacted by the wildfires. The SPSA is continuing to coordinate with communities that have asked for its support in distributing this financial assistance.

    Evacuees who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so through the Sask Evac Web Application or by calling 1-855-559-5502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

    Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross can call 1-800-863-6582. 

    A full list of evacuated and repatriated communities can be found on the Information for Evacuees webpage.

    The latest information, an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips can be found at saskpublicsafety.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI: AGF Investments Announces Risk Rating Change

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGF Investments Inc. (AGF Investments) today announced a risk rating change for the following fund effective today.

    Fund Name Previous Risk Rating Revised Risk Rating
    AGF North American Small-Mid Cap Fund Medium Medium-High
         

    The changes are based on the risk classification methodology mandated by the Canadian Securities Administrators to determine the risk level of mutual funds. No material changes have been made to the investment objective, strategy or management of the fund.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With over $53 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    About AGF Investments

    AGF Investments is a group of wholly owned subsidiaries of AGF Management Limited, a Canadian reporting issuer. The subsidiaries included in AGF Investments are AGF Investments Inc. (AGFI), AGF Investments America Inc. (AGFA), AGF Investments LLC (AGFUS) and AGF International Advisors Company Limited (AGFIA). The term AGF Investments may refer to one or more of these subsidiaries or to all of them jointly. This term is used for convenience and does not precisely describe any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs.

    AGF Investments entities only provide investment advisory services or offers investment funds in the jurisdiction where such firm and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services.

    AGF Investments Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGF Management Limited and conducts the management and advisory of mutual funds in Canada.

    This information is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax, investment, financial, or other advice, and should not be relied upon for providing such advice. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    Media Contact

    Amanda Marchment
    Director, Corporate Communications
    416-865-4160
    amanda.marchment@agf.com  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: AGF Investments Announces Risk Rating Change

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGF Investments Inc. (AGF Investments) today announced a risk rating change for the following fund effective today.

    Fund Name Previous Risk Rating Revised Risk Rating
    AGF North American Small-Mid Cap Fund Medium Medium-High
         

    The changes are based on the risk classification methodology mandated by the Canadian Securities Administrators to determine the risk level of mutual funds. No material changes have been made to the investment objective, strategy or management of the fund.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With over $53 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    About AGF Investments

    AGF Investments is a group of wholly owned subsidiaries of AGF Management Limited, a Canadian reporting issuer. The subsidiaries included in AGF Investments are AGF Investments Inc. (AGFI), AGF Investments America Inc. (AGFA), AGF Investments LLC (AGFUS) and AGF International Advisors Company Limited (AGFIA). The term AGF Investments may refer to one or more of these subsidiaries or to all of them jointly. This term is used for convenience and does not precisely describe any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs.

    AGF Investments entities only provide investment advisory services or offers investment funds in the jurisdiction where such firm and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services.

    AGF Investments Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGF Management Limited and conducts the management and advisory of mutual funds in Canada.

    This information is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax, investment, financial, or other advice, and should not be relied upon for providing such advice. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    Media Contact

    Amanda Marchment
    Director, Corporate Communications
    416-865-4160
    amanda.marchment@agf.com  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Putting Alberta-made businesses on the map

    Alberta is a province where locally made businesses can reach their full potential and become known through international markets. Across the world, Alberta is recognized as a trusted trade partner thanks to its high-quality services and products and hard-working entrepreneurs. To help small- and medium-sized businesses continue to grow, Alberta’s government is investing in the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), which empowers them to increase their exports and revenue, while also creating new jobs for Albertans.

    In 2017, TAP was established nationally and Calgary Economic Development started administering the program within Alberta in 2018. Since its creation, TAP has helped more than 550 companies in Alberta receive the knowledge, mentorship and resources they need to help their businesses grow and reach international markets.

    Through a new $2.8-million investment, Alberta’s government is ensuring Calgary Economic Development has the resources it needs to continue delivering TAP for another five years, which is expected to help up to 650 more companies.

    “Increasing trade is a priority for our government, which is why we are helping small- and medium-sized businesses grow. More than ever, we need to diversify our global trade and give businesses the tools they need to succeed. In return, Alberta will see more jobs, more investment and a stronger economy with programs like this.”

    Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration

    “With global markets shifting rapidly, Alberta’s small- and medium-sized businesses need every advantage to stay ahead. This support from the Government of Alberta invests in entrepreneurs’ big ideas and helps ensure that local businesses can access the tools and expertise they need to scale globally. Stronger trade capacity means stronger businesses – and a stronger, more resilient Alberta.”

    Brad Parry, president and CEO, Calgary Economic Development

    In addition to the continued operation of TAP, this funding will also facilitate the creation of a new program from Calgary Economic Development called “Levelling Up.” This program will launch in 2026 and will include additional sector- and market-specific trade programming to support businesses in their complex global market expansion needs. “Levelling Up” will also include the ongoing Global Trade Classroom Series along with online resources. It is a program designed for companies who have participated in TAP, with targeted trade support for entering more complex markets.

    “Calgary Economic Development and the Government of Alberta have been pivotal in accelerating naturemary’s growth, innovation and global reach. Their support empowers us to thrive, create jobs and elevate pain relief and wellness from Alberta to the world.”

    Kapil Kalra, president & co-founder, naturemary, (TAP alumni) 

    Companies like naturemary, Rok Water, Knead Technologies and Zeno Renewables began in Alberta as small businesses but received training and support through TAP. Now these companies, like many others, have grown to receive recognition and business in markets around the world.

    Alberta’s government remains focused on continuing to build a resilient and diversified economy that is better positioned to withstand external shocks and ensure long-term prosperity.

    Quick facts

    • TAP supports businesses across Alberta through provincewide delivery, with past sessions hosted in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Grand Prairie, Canmore, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
    • The program is open to any Alberta-based company and businesses can attend sessions in any region.
    • Upcoming TAP cohorts across Alberta include:
      • Calgary, Sept. 9 – Oct. 22
      • Red Deer, Oct. 15 – Nov.20
      • Edmonton, Nov. 4 – Dec. 10

    Related information

    • Trade Accelerator Program
    • Alberta Export Expansion Program
    • Government of Alberta mission calendar

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Mental Health Group Home for Youth Opens in Prince Albert

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 25, 2025

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan and Prince Albert Outreach celebrated the grand opening of Peggy’s Compass Home, a new mental health group home for youth in Prince Albert. The government is providing $800,000 in annual operating funding for the five-space home that will support youth ages 12-18 who are experiencing mental health and addictions challenges.  

    “Group homes like Peggy’s Compass Home help children and youth in crisis get the support they need close to home,” Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said. “This new group home will provide a safe, stable environment for young people to heal, grow, and access the mental health and addictions services they need to move forward.” 

    The opening of this home fulfills the 2023-24 Provincial Budget commitment to develop three mental health group homes with a $2.4 million investment. Peggy’s Compass in Prince Albert is the third home to open following EGADZ’s Garden of Hope in Saskatoon and Joe and Irene’s Home operated by Eagle Heart Centre in Regina. Each home is jointly funded by the ministries of Social Services and Health, with each ministry contributing $400,000 annually toward operational costs. 

    “I am happy to see an overall expansion of mental health care for youth through the important work that will be done at Peggy’s Compass Home,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said. “By increasing our capacity to offer treatment and specialized care to address addictions and mental health challenges, we are helping youth lead healthier lives.” 

    Referrals for youth with chronic mental health and/or addictions issues to this facility will be made through a partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Ministry of Social Services.  

    The local Youth Advisory Team collaborated with Prince Albert Outreach to develop programming for the group home using a youth-centered approach. Youth will have input into the programming, their goals and case plans and day-to-day programming. A multidisciplinary team will offer 24/7 mental health, addictions and cultural services.  

    “Today marks the beginning of a safe, supportive home for youth – Peggy’s Compass Home,” PA Outreach Program Executive Director Bill Chow said. “It honours our founder Peggy Rubin’s legacy of tireless dedication to guiding young people toward opportunity and hope. By investing in youth today, we are helping to build a stronger, brighter future for our community.” 

    The Ministry of Social Services partners with Prince Albert Outreach to provide various youth and family support initiatives including cultural services, outreach, court advocacy, a drop-in centre and additional youth-focused support services. 

    For more information about Prince Albert Outreach, visit: www.princealbertoutreach.com.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Israel’s domestic crises and Netanyahu’s aim to project power are reshaping the Middle East

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Spyros A. Sofos, Assistant Professor in Global Humanities, Simon Fraser University

    Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian territory have been widely framed as an act of deterrence or yet another episode in a protracted regional rivalry.

    Such interpretations overlook the deeper motivations behind Israel’s actions.

    As a global humanities scholar who specializes in Middle Eastern politics, I believe the world is watching the convergence of a domestic political crisis and a profound strategic shift as Israel evolves into a more aggressive entity in a fragmented international order.

    Political survival

    At the centre of Israel’s current strategic turn lies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — a beleaguered leader fighting for political survival, but also considered a calculating, opportunistic operator with a particular vision of the Middle East.

    At home, Netanyahu, confronting an unprecedented convergence of challenges — multiple corruption indictments, mass protests against what many consider a self-serving judicial overhaul and a fragile governing coalition — has leaned into military escalation as both a defensive reflex and a political instrument. He’s seemingly deploying it to both mute dissent at home and assert control abroad.

    Israelis opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan set up bonfires and block a highway during a protest in March 2023.
    (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

    But Netanyahu’s ambitions appear to extend beyond his immediate political survival. He seems to be striving for a legacy-defining “1967 moment” — a transformative reordering of the regional landscape in the Middle East that sidelines the Palestinian issue and entrenches Israeli supremacy.

    This dual imperative — domestic survival and amassing power in the region — likely shapes Netanyahu’s recent actions, including the strike on Iran, the expanded occupation of Syrian territory, the October 2024 attack on Lebanon and the ongoing assaults on Gaza and the West Bank.

    By describing each military campaign as a reluctant necessity — forced upon him by Iran, Hamas or even his coalition hardliners — Netanyahu maintains public support as he consolidates power. His government has used war-time conditions to suppress public protest, push forward its radical constitutional agenda and advance his geopolitical vision.

    The result is a volatile but calculated strategy that is likely to mark Netanyahu’s tenure, though with significant repercussions for regional stability.

    Israel’s grand strategy

    While Netanyahu’s actions could serve his immediate political ends, they also reflect a longer-term shift in Israeli grand strategy. Following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, Israel intensified a long-standing pattern of pre-emptive strikes and campaigns to neutralize its adversaries. This strategy has been pursued at an unprecedented scale in Gaza, but often without a clearly articulated political endgame.

    This pattern echoes a regional policy doctrine Netanyahu laid out in his 1993 book A Place Among the Nations when he asserted “the only peace that will endure in the region is the peace of deterrence.”

    This policy advocates the projection of overwhelming Israeli power, the emasculation of regional challengers and efforts to radically reorder the Middle East.

    Netanyahu’s doctrine, a more aggressive revision of Israel’s earlier pre-emptive security traditions, stands in sharp contrast to the approach pursued by the Oslo Accords-era leadership of the 1990s and 2000s — figures such as Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, and later Ehud Barak.

    They emphasized diplomacy over coercive leverage and perpetual confrontation. They sought genuine political settlements and a negotiated co-existence with Palestinians and neighbouring Arab states. This strategy — rooted in compromise and limited reconciliation — has now been decisively eclipsed by Netanyahu’s highly militarized approach and his vision for achieving strategic power in the Middle East.

    This approach underpins all of Israel’s modern-day actions — from its reoccupation of parts of Lebanon to its growing military footprint in Syrian territory, the obliteration of Gaza, its aggression against Iran and the increasing calls for Iranian regime change from the current Israeli cabinet.

    From buffer to power projection

    Nowhere is this clearer than in Israel’s expanding operations across its northern front. In Syria, Israel seized upon the post-Bashar al-Assad vacuum to entrench military control over at least 12 square kilometres of new terrain, constructing infrastructure and outposts far beyond prior ceasefire lines.

    This had less to do with protecting minority populations or deterring Iranian proxies — as officials claimed — and more with establishing long-term buffer zones and projecting dominance into a fragile post-war Syria.

    A similar pattern is evident in Lebanon. Following months of border escalation, Israel has sought not only to undermine Hezbollah’s capacity but to create no-go zones controlled by the Israeli military along the frontier. These operations reflect older strategic instincts but are now integrated in the ongoing process of Israel’s northern border redesign.

    Finally, Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran reflects a doctrine to move beyond containment toward strategic dismantlement of the Iranian regime’s regional power and to erode its ability to control its own territory.

    The escalation is the outcome of Israel’s pursuit of a favourable regional moment — the weakening of the so-called “Axis of Resistance” following the Abraham Accords of 2020 aimed at establishing diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations — and months of war in Lebanon and Syria.

    From ‘western ally’ to regional challenger

    A constellation of domestic and international changes has enabled Israel’s transformation.

    These include a shift in Israeli political culture encouraged by Netanyahu’s rejection of efforts to pursue some sort of regional co-existence and co-operation; the far right’s growing influence in government; and the ongoing disruption of the international order amid Donald Trump’s second presidency in the United States that gave Israel more room to manoeuvre.

    This constellation has eroded the few constraints the liberal international order had in the past imposed on Israel’s pursuit of its regional policies amid an era of expansionism, permanent conflict and the aggressive management — not resolution — of the Palestinian issue.

    Israel is now heading down the same path as Russia and Turkey, capitalizing on vast disparities in military and intelligence capabilities among regional powers to its advantage, disregarding international norms, undermining diplomacy and preferring transactional alliances instead of long-term peace processes.

    The U.S. has facilitated this transformation. Former president Joe Biden and now Trump have made very little effort to constrain Netanyahu.

    Trump’s “Gaza Riviera” plan, along with his isolationist rhetoric, have effectively left regional decision-making to Israel while he continues to underwrite Israeli military dominance and its use of overwhelming force to reshape its regional environment.




    Read more:
    Why Israel and the U.S. are sure to encounter the limits of air power in Iran


    Netanyahu’s reluctance to accept the current ceasefire as a definitive end to hostilities with Iran reveals his and his cabinet’s regional revisionist reflexes.

    Broader regional destabilization lies ahead as Israel seeks to destroy threats with immense military power without any strategic foresight.

    Spyros A. Sofos 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. How Israel’s domestic crises and Netanyahu’s aim to project power are reshaping the Middle East – https://theconversation.com/how-israels-domestic-crises-and-netanyahus-aim-to-project-power-are-reshaping-the-middle-east-259359

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members review farm policies, food security, technology transfer and transparency issues

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Updates on agricultural market developments and food security

    Members heard updates from observer international organizations, including the International Grains Council (IGC), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP). Their contributions encompassed the overarching theme of global food security and related challenges, with a particular focus on the unique difficulties faced by least developed countries (LDCs) and net food-importing developing countries (NFIDCs), along with their continuous efforts to mitigate these challenges.

    The IGC reported that the prospects for the next grain harvest remain broadly favourable, although an unusually dry winter and early spring has reduced yield potential in parts of East Asia. Including upgrades for the Americas, the global crop projection is boosted by 2 million tonnes, to a record 2,375 million. Due to a slightly lower estimate for feed use, the forecast for total grain consumption has been revised down slightly month-on-month, now standing at 2,372 million tonnes.

    With grains and oilseeds markets expected to be comfortably supplied, the IGC emphasized the importance of open trade, noting that global price developments may be strongly influenced by demand-side measures, including trade policies. It also underscored the value of market transparency and drew members’ attention to the Wheat Maritime Trade and Food Security Dashboard, developed jointly with the WTO. This tool supports the monitoring of short-term trends in international wheat maritime trade flows in response to changing market conditions and enables analysis of longer-term developments.

    FAO shared with members the main information contained in The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2024. The publication confirmed that global progress towards the goal of ending hunger is not on track, with chronic hunger and food insecurity persisting at elevated levels. After a sharp increase between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of undernourishment remained well above pre COVID-19 figures, reaching 9.1% in 2023. This means an estimated 713 to 757 million people facing hunger, with a mid-range estimate of 733 million – approximately 152 million more than in 2019.  

    FAO reminded members that the vast majority of people and countries facing acute food insecurity have remained in that situation for several years, underscoring the protracted nature of the crisis and the importance of resilience-building efforts. FAO also noted that it has been closely monitoring the global food security situation and has developed a dedicated web page – FAO Response to Global Food Security Challenges – which provides detailed information on various aspects of food security.

    The WFP stressed that global food insecurity remains alarmingly high, with 295 million people acutely affected. Catastrophic hunger, the most severe form, has surged – rising from 80,000 people in 2018 to 1.9 million in 2024. Conflict remains the primary driver, with 70% of the acutely food insecure living in fragile, violent contexts. Extreme weather, such as droughts and floods, also threatens food security, as do economic factors like inflation, debt and high food prices. Humanitarian operations are further strained by severe funding shortfalls, said the WFP, which in 2025 expects to assist 24 million fewer people than in 2024.

    To address this crisis, increased funding, humanitarian access and robust data systems are urgently needed. The WFP thanked WTO members for the Decision adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) to exempt humanitarian food purchases from export restrictions. The decision has improved access to local and regional production, facilitating international and regional movement of commodities and positively impacting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of WFP operations

    Nairobi and Bali decisions – transparency

    Regarding the implementation of the Nairobi Decision on Export Competition, the Chair called on members concerned to make all possible efforts to fully conclude this exercise of aligning export subsidy schedules with the obligations under the Nairobi Decision. The next export competition dedicated discussion is scheduled for the Committee meeting in September. Referring to the Committee’s Decision in G/AG/2/Add.2 of December 2024, the Chair reminded members that 2024 is the last implementation year for which the information required under the export competition questionnaire (ECQ) needs to be provided via a response to the questionnaire.

    Starting from the implementation year 2025, members will be required to submit a new annual export competition notification, which consolidates and streamlines existing export competition related notification requirements and formats, including the ECQ. Members were urged to redouble efforts to submit outstanding responses to the ECQ, and to use the ECQ Agriculture Information Management System (AG IMS) on-line facility for this purpose.

    The Chair noted that the second triennial review of the operation of  the Bali Decision on Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) administration is due in 2025. This topic will remain on the Committee’s agenda all this year. Members shared thoughts on the possible contents and outcomes of this review. The Chair also reminded members of the specific issues raised at the March 2025 Committee meeting and invited them to build on those discussions.

    Issues addressed included the need for better follow-up on the first review’s conclusions , improved transparency and completeness of market access notifications, particularly for TRQs with country-specific allocations in the schedule of commitments, as well as the inclusion of tariff data in TRQ notifications. Members also called for action on TRQ underutilization by addressing barriers, such as unrelated licensing requirements, enhancing notification practices, compiling current challenges and exploring ways to reallocate underused quotas to improve TRQ effectiveness and transparency.

    Technology transfer

    Members expressed interest in advancing discussions on the transfer of technology to developing economies in the food and agricultural sector. Delegations expressed support for continuing discussions on the topic, with calls to shift from educational exchanges to examining how WTO rules could bolster technological development.

    To capitalize on this momentum, the Chair encouraged delegations to turn this interest into concrete, substantive ideas for collective exploration, utilizing the Committee’s nearly three decades of experience with the implementation of the Agreement on Agriculture. Despite encouragement from the previous Chair, Anna Leung of Hong Kong, China, at the March 2025 meeting, no written proposals have been submitted.

    The Chair suggested convening informal discussions and continuing to include this topic on formal agendas to support ongoing reflection and shape collective guidance.

    Agricultural policies review

    A total of 180 questions were raised by members concerning individual notifications and specific implementation matters during the meeting. This peer review process allows members to address issues related to the implementation of commitments outlined in the Agreement on Agriculture. Of these, 14 issues were raised for the first time, while 23 were recurring matters from previous Committee meetings.

    The 14 new items covered a range of topics, including Australia’s livestock industry funds, Brazil’s rural development efforts, Canada’s involvement in farm and dairy support, and the European Union’s emergency agricultural measures and tariff actions on Russian products.

    Other discussions focused on India’s domestic support programmes, sugar policy, and export duties, as well as Indonesia’s agricultural support. Japan’s initiatives to lower carbon emissions and secure fertilizers were also reviewed, along with Paraguay’s rural assistance project, Switzerland’s payments to farmers, Thailand’s debt relief and rice support policies, Türkiye’s tax and pricing systems, the United Kingdom’s schemes to enhance farm productivity, and the United States’ trade programmes, avian flu response, and broad agricultural support measures.

    Since the previous meeting in March 2025, a total of 53 individual notifications have been submitted to the Committee: 24 related to market access, 14 concerning domestic support, 11 regarding export competition, and four related to the implementation of the Marrakesh Decision on LDCs and NFIDCs.

    The Chair urged members to submit timely and complete notifications and to respond to overdue questions, stressing the critical importance of enhanced transparency.

    All questions submitted for the meeting are available in G/AG/W/255. All questions and replies received are available in the WTO’s Agriculture Information Management System.

    Next meeting

    The next meeting of the Committee on Agriculture is scheduled for 25-26 September 2025.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Georgia – A10-0110/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

    on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Georgia

     

    (2025/2024(INI))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to the Commission communication of 30 October 2024 entitled ‘2024 Communication on EU enlargement policy’ (COM(2024)0690), accompanied by the Commission staff working document entitled ‘Georgia 2024 Report’ (SWD(2024)0697),

     having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part[1],

     having regard to Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which requires that all possible measures be taken to ensure Georgia’s full integration into the EU and NATO,

     having regard to the final report of 20 December 2024 of the election observation mission of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the parliamentary elections held in Georgia on 26 October 2024,–  having regard to the Council conclusions of 27 June 2024 on Georgia and of 17 December 2024 on enlargement,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

     having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

     having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A10-0110/2025),

    A. whereas in December 2023, the European Council granted Georgia candidate status on the understanding that the relevant nine steps set out in the Commission recommendation of 8 November 2023 and primarily relating to reforms in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights would be taken;

    B. whereas the situation in Georgia has deteriorated significantly since the publication of the 2024 Commission report on the country on 30 October 2024, particularly as a result of the actions of the Georgian Government;

    C. whereas Georgia has been experiencing democratic backsliding in recent years and in particular since the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024, which failed to meet international democratic standards and comply with Georgia’s OSCE commitments, and resulted in an illegitimate parliament composed of only one political party, Georgian Dream; whereas Russia has systematically interfered in democratic processes in Georgia; whereas the fraudulent elections included voter intimidation, vote buying and harassment of election observers;

    D. whereas on 28 November 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would delay initiating accession talks with the EU and reject its financial assistance until the end of 2028, disregarding the country’s constitutional commitment to European integration and effectively undermining Georgia’s sovereign Euro-Atlantic aspirations, which have the strong support of the Georgian people;

    E. whereas concerns over the direction in which the country is heading and the decision to pause the efforts to start accession negotiations sparked large-scale protests across the country, with protesters demanding new, free and fair elections, the return of the country to its European path, an end to political violence and repression, investigations into and accountability for the serious human rights violations committed against protesters by law enforcement agencies, and the release of political prisoners; whereas protests have been taking place every day without interruption since 28 November 2024; whereas pro-EU protests have significantly increased across Georgia in 2025, with tens of thousands of citizens demonstrating against the government’s perceived shift away from EU integration; whereas these self-organised and spontaneous protests involving all segments of Georgian society underscore the Georgian people’s strong commitment to European values and democratic governance;

    F. whereas in response to the peaceful protests, the Georgian authorities began an unprecedented violent crackdown on demonstrations, accompanied by the unlawful use of force, torture and other ill-treatment by the de facto authorities; whereas since November 2024, at least 62 people have been criminally charged in connection with their participation in pro-European protests and 54 remain in pre-trial detention; whereas more than 500 people have been detained under administrative procedures, some 300 of whom have reportedly been subjected to torture or other forms of inhuman and degrading treatment and at least 157 of whom have suffered visible signs of serious physical injury;

     

    G. whereas the de facto Georgian Dream authorities systematically subject civil society and independent media to pressure, legal restrictions and physical violence; whereas at least 138 incidents of media freedom violations have been documented in the context of pro-European protests or related events since November 2024, and a total of 174 media professionals have been the target of state repression; whereas at least 30 reporters have suffered repeated violations, including physical assaults, damage to professional equipment, administrative fines, criminal charges and judicial harassment; whereas journalist Mzia Amaglobeli is currently in pre-trial detention on trumped-up charges;

     

    H. whereas the Georgian authorities have been restructuring or eliminating structures within the Georgian civil service responsible for pro-European reforms and dismissing professionals and civil servants en masse, in particular those who have criticised government policies, expressed pro-European views and condemned violence against peaceful demonstrators;

     

    I. whereas the illegitimate Georgian parliament has established the Temporary Parliamentary Investigative Commission on the Activities of the Regime and Political Figures of 2003-2012, which was the period when President Mikheil Saakashvili was at the helm and paving the way for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions; whereas this commission is a tool for the further persecution of political opponents, especially leaders of opposition movements; whereas on 22 May 2025, Zurab ‘Girchi’ Japaridze, the leader of the Girchi – More Freedom party and one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, was arrested for refusing to appear before this politically motivated commission created and controlled by Georgian Dream, whose long-term ambition is to eradicate political opposition in Georgia; whereas on 29 May 2025, Nika Melia, another leader of the Coalition for Change, was arrested one day before he was due to appear in court for refusing to appear before the Temporary Parliamentary Investigative Commission;

     

    J. whereas, in order to maintain and further increase its grip on power, the ruling Georgian Dream party has unilaterally and without consultation adopted changes to the municipal electoral system for the elections to the city councils in October 2025; whereas the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe has recommended repealing these changes and the leaders of the main opposition parties have announced that their parties will not participate in those elections; whereas reforms to the formation process of the Central Election Commission further compromise election integrity, limit citizen participation and restrict the ability of observers and media to effectively monitor the electoral process;

     

    K. whereas despite progress towards a more equal and inclusive society, deep-rooted inequalities and stereotypes persist, resulting in high levels of gender-based violence, severe restrictions for persons with disabilities and violence and harassment against the LGBTI community; whereas due to insecurity at home, many LGBTI people choose to flee the country; whereas Georgia’s legal definition of rape does not comply with the standards set in the Istanbul Convention;

    Suspension of Georgia’s EU integration

    1. Reiterates its solidarity with the Georgian people and its unwavering support for their legitimate European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations and wish to live in a prosperous and democratic country, as expressed in mass protests that continue despite brutal crackdowns by the authorities; remains ready to assist the Georgian people in achieving these goals; strongly condemns the violent repression, arbitrary and politically motivated detention without sufficient legal grounds and the reported systemic torture of peaceful protesters, civil society actors, political opponents and media representatives; demands that the Georgian authorities refrain from using force, respect the freedoms of assembly and of expression and annul the recently adopted draconian legislation aimed at stifling popular protests, notably through extortionate fines; expresses its particular concern regarding the growing number of political prisoners and reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all of them; calls for all acts of violence to be effectively and credibly investigated and for those responsible to be held accountable; expresses concern about the lack of independence within the judiciary, with high-placed judges with links to the Georgian Dream overseeing politically motivated court proceedings against peaceful protesters and government critics;

    2. Expresses deep regret over the fact that the ruling Georgian Dream party failed to use the historic opportunity granted to Georgia, as a candidate country, to progress on its European integration path, noting that European integration continues to be supported by an overwhelming majority of the population; recalls that candidate status was granted to Georgia with the benefit of the doubt, despite the already concerning trajectory of the Georgian Dream government’s actions, which were increasingly at odds with European values and democratic principles; underlines that Georgia under Georgian Dream’s rule has not moved forward, and has in fact even regressed, on the key provisions of the nine steps indicated by the Commission, despite the authorities’ claims to the contrary; stresses that Georgia’s EU integration process has effectively been suspended as a result of the continued democratic backsliding in the country and the rigged October 2024 parliamentary elections amounting to a clear turning point towards an authoritarian regime, the ensuing illicit capture of the state institutions and democratic safeguards, and the adoption of a series of anti-democratic legislative acts that run counter to the values and principles upon which the EU is founded; concurs with the European Council’s conclusions of 27 June 2024 that a failure to reverse the current course of action jeopardises Georgia’s EU path and urges the Georgian Dream to return to the course of democratic reforms and Euro-Atlantic integration;

    3. Deplores the dismissal of approximately 700 civil servants since December 2024 due to their participation in or support for pro-European protests; stresses that such retaliation erodes public trust in democratic institutions, violates freedom of expression and association, and contributes to the deepening authoritarian tendencies of the current regime; calls on the Georgian authorities to abide by labour law standards and to allow civil servants to register a trade union in order to protect them from the unjustified restriction of their labour rights; expresses its concern about the growing politicisation of civil service appointments, and calls for a repeal of the amendments to the Law on Public Service adopted in December 2024 that remove the competition rule for the appointment of civil servants and instead grant direct appointment powers to the heads of public institutions; reiterates that these amendments constitute worrying backsliding from the successful public service reform that was implemented by Georgia under the EU-Georgian Association Agreement and calls for their repeal; 4.  Stresses the need for an immediate and comprehensive audit of the EU’s policy towards Georgia given the ongoing democratic backsliding and the increasingly repressive political and legislative environment that constitutes a regression for many of Georgia’s democratic achievements and successful EU reforms, fundamentally weakens democratic institutions and further consolidates power in the hands of the ruling party; calls, in this regard, on the Commission to review the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in the light of the blatant breach of Georgia’s obligations regarding the general principles laid down in Article 2, namely respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates that non-fulfilment of these obligations may result in the conditional suspension of economic cooperation and the privileges afforded by the Agreement;

    5. Deplores the fact that high-level ruling party officials, members of parliament and government-affiliated media regularly spread manipulative narratives, disinformation and conspiracy theories about the EU, its Member States, leaders and politicians, as well as European integration; stresses that the ruling party’s regime continues its purposefully deceitful and ambiguous discourse, fuelling the false belief among parts of the Georgian public that it remains in favour of European integration; regrets the fact that the media and information environment is being suppressed and dominated by TV and media outlets supported by Georgian Dream, which spread false narratives about EU integration, thereby emulating and playing into Russian-inspired propaganda and facilitating polarisation in society;

     

    6. Underlines the responsibility of Bidzina Ivanishvili and other officials and political leaders, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili, Vakhtang Gomelauri, Mayor of Tbilisi and Georgian Dream Secretary General Kakha Kaladze, and the former Georgian Dream chair Irakli Garibashvili, for the deterioration of the political process in Georgia by enabling democratic backsliding resulting in the autocratic consolidation of power and by acting against the country’s constitutional objective of Euro-Atlantic integration; calls, therefore, for immediate and targeted personal sanctions to be imposed against Bidzina Ivanishvili, his family members and his companies and calls for the EU, in cooperation with other jurisdictions, in particular the United Kingdom, to freeze his financial assets; deplores the obstruction by the Hungarian and Slovak Governments of the Council decisions on the imposition of sanctions against individuals responsible for democratic backsliding in Georgia; condemns the unilateral actions by the Hungarian Government seeking to legitimise Georgian Dream;

     

    Continued backsliding on democracy and the rule of law and the autocratic consolidation of power

     

    7. Reiterates its position that the settlement of the current political and constitutional crisis in Georgia can only be achieved by way of new parliamentary elections, which should be held in the next few months in an improved electoral environment, overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored through diligent international and independent domestic observation to guarantee a genuinely fair, free and transparent process that would reflect the true will of the people;

    8. Stresses that it does not recognise the self-proclaimed authorities established by the Georgian Dream party following the rigged parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024 and that it considers Georgia to be a state captured by the illegitimate Georgian Dream regime; consequentially rejects any decisions taken by the body that has taken control of the country, such as the rushed adoption of amendments to the Code on Administrative Offences, the Criminal Code and the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations; regrets the fact that the parliament of Georgia is a one-party parliament formed on the basis of fraudulent elections, which is incompatible with a pluralistic parliamentary democracy and the standards expected from an EU candidate country; welcomes the rejection of Georgian Dream’s credentials in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which resulted in the withdrawal of the Georgian delegation;

    9. Deplores the continued attempts by the ruling Georgian Dream party to persecute political opponents, including through their illegal arrest and detention, threats and physical attacks; reiterates its calls for an end to politically motivated hostilities, an improvement to the political environment and the building of trust and cross-party dialogue;

     

    10. Condemns the unlawful prosecution of political opponents by the investigative committee of the de facto Georgian parliament under the leadership of the Georgian Dream party, which disproportionately targets the actions of the government that ended its mandate more than twelve years ago; highlights the political nature of the ‘investigation’, noting that the Georgian Dream party has been in power since 2012 but launched the investigative committee in parallel with its attempts to ban genuine opposition parties; notes with concern the statements by the chair of the investigative committee, Tea Tsulukiani, spreading Russian narratives; strongly condemns the arrest of Zurab ‘Girchi’ Japaridze and Nika Melia, and the threats to arrest  other politicians, and considers these individuals to be political prisoners;

     

    11. Expresses deep concern over recent declarations by leaders of the ruling Georgian Dream party indicating their intention to declare opposition parties – primarily the United National Movement – unconstitutional; recalls that the United National Movement played a pivotal role in initiating and advancing Georgia’s European integration process; notes the parallels between the conduct of the Georgian Dream de facto authorities and the current Kremlin regime, which cemented its rule by outlawing opposition parties; condemns the draft amendment to the Organic Law on Political Associations of Citizens and to the Law on the Constitutional Court adopted on 13 May 2025, which would empower the Constitutional Court to effectively and arbitrarily ban all opposition parties;

     

    12. Strongly reiterates its demand for the immediate release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds for the purpose of seeking the necessary medical treatment abroad; emphasises that the Georgian authorities bear full responsibility for his health and well-being and must be held accountable for any harm that befalls him; calls, furthermore, on the Georgian Dream authorities to ensure that Members of the European Parliament are granted unhindered access to Mikheil Saakashvili;

     

    13. Underlines that the policy of non-recognition of the legitimacy of the one-party parliament and the president appointed by it should continue until there is a tangible change in the political course of Georgia and new free and fair parliamentary elections are held; calls for the EU’s and the Member States’ representatives and members of parliament to refrain from meetings with representatives of the regime, starting with the current de facto president; continues to recognise Salome Zourabichvili as the legitimate President of Georgia and representative of the Georgian people; praises her efforts to peacefully steer the country back towards a democratic and European path of development;

     

    14. Points out that the upcoming municipal elections in autumn 2025 present yet another test for the resilience of Georgia’s democracy and political pluralism; calls on the opposition to seize the opportunity presented by these elections to reflect the unity of the Georgian people in favour of democracy and the rule of law, as already demonstrated in the peaceful protests against the manipulation of the parliamentary elections and repression; calls for the municipal elections to be held in an improved electoral environment, overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored through diligent international observation to guarantee a genuinely fair, free and transparent process;

     

    15. Is deeply concerned, in this context, by the further deterioration of the electoral system and the overall democratic environment ahead of the municipal elections, in particular the fast-tracked adoption of new amendments to Georgia’s Organic Law and to the Election Code in December 2024 that undermine the principle of equal suffrage and aim to solidify the ruling party’s dominance at all levels of governance; recalls that these amendments have been criticised by the Venice Commission and calls for them to be repealed; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Member States to consider imposing additional individual sanctions against Georgian officials if the upcoming municipal elections fail to meet the criteria for fair and free elections;

     

    16. Strongly condemns the continuing and deliberate destruction of the environment for Georgia’s vibrant civil society, with the adoption of several pieces of restrictive Russian-style legislation, including on the transparency of foreign influence, threats, and stigmatisation by the authorities; strongly denounces the new legislative initiative that requires the registration of all civil society organisation grants with the government and that obliges foreign donors to obtain executive approval to disburse grants to local organisations; regrets the recent decision by the authorities to freeze the bank accounts of crowdfunding initiatives and campaigns in support of political prisoners and their families; calls on the authorities to immediately cease the intimidation, threats, politically motivated prosecutions and physical assaults against civil society representatives, political leaders, civil activists, journalists and media workers in Georgia; condemns the arbitrary and unjustified refusal of several European journalists’ entry to Georgia;

    17. Condemns the recent adoption, without due public consultation, of legislation that enables further political persecution, limits the right of assembly, and further shrinks the space for civil society, independent media and the opposition to operate freely, including the Russian-style foreign agent law, the amendments to the Law on Public Service, the amendments to the Law on Grants, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, as well as new restrictive amendments to the Broadcasting Law; calls for the Georgian authorities to repeal these legislative changes; stresses that Georgian Dream’s political conduct, including its strategic alignment with the Russian Federation and the accelerated adoption of tools characteristic of authoritarian regimes, mirrors such developments within Russia itself;

     

    18. Commends the work of Georgia’s civil society in the past months, providing free legal aid, documenting serious human rights violations and taking the lead on domestic and international litigation to seek justice and accountability against a background of continued attacks, the criminalisation of civic space, and disinformation campaigns against the work of civil society;

     

    19. Stresses the urgent need to support Georgia’s civil society and independent media in the light of the growing repression and the suspension of the activities of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and therefore asks the Commission to increase financial support and disburse it without any further delay; calls for the EU’s funding mechanisms to be adjusted to take into account the needs that arise in a more hostile and anti-democratic environment and for funds to be reallocated to directly support civil society organisations, independent media and human rights defenders; stresses further, in this regard, that the Member States should be ready to receive and support Georgian civil society organisations and independent media outlets so that they can continue their work in exile;

     

    20. Stresses that beyond Georgian Dream’s rejection of Georgia’s EU integration, it rejects more generally international human rights law and democratic standards, while speedily moving along the negative trajectory previously witnessed in Russia; is deeply concerned, specifically, that this will have further trickle-down effects on the rights and well-being of women, minorities, migrants, persons with disabilities, LGBTI people, people living below the poverty line, and other vulnerable or at-risk groups; strongly condemns the adoption of anti-LGBTI legislation by the Georgian parliament in October 2024, which mirrors authoritarian, Russian-style policies and violates the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and calls for it to be repealed; calls for the reinstatement of gender quotas that were abolished by the parliament of Georgia in April 2024; calls on the EU Member States, when assessing asylum applications, to adequately take into account the fact that Georgia now has one of the most repressive anti-LGBTI laws in Europe; is concerned about the lack of protection of ethnic and religious minorities in Georgia;

     

    21. Reiterates that the measures taken by the EU so far in response to the flagrant democratic backsliding and reneging on previous commitments do not reflect the severity of the situation in Georgia and its consequences across the region; regrets the lack of proactive measures taken and the generally limited and delayed reaction by the Council and the Commission; stresses that the absence of unanimity among the Member States should not prevent those willing to take appropriate and effective measures from doing so; calls on the EU’s leadership to urgently rally like-minded Member States to take coordinated action and thereby surmount the political obstacles to adopting EU-wide sanctions;

    22. Calls for the EU and its Member States to introduce, on a bilateral and coordinated basis, personal sanctions against key Georgian Dream political leaders, officials and the regime’s enablers in the administration, business, media, justice system, law enforcement agencies and the electoral commission who are responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents and activists; further calls for sanctions to extend to mid- and lower-level public officials responsible for implementing repressive measures against the regime’s opponents and to maintain them until Georgian democracy is adequately restored; welcomes the imposition of bilateral sanctions by Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Czechia, Germany and Poland, as well as by like-minded partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Ukraine, and invites other EU Member States to follow suit; calls for the consideration of further restrictive measures, such as SWIFT cut-off or sectoral sanctions, aimed at cutting off the financial flows and sources of income of the Georgian Dream regime;

     

    23. Welcomes the Council’s decision to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials as a first step in response to the persistent negative developments in Georgia; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to review Georgia’s visa-free status, with the possibility of suspending it if the relevant benchmarks and standards on democratic governance and freedoms are not met because of the ruling party’s actions; stresses that Georgian Dream is fully responsible for any consequences stemming from the possible suspension of the visa-free regime for Georgian citizens; stresses the importance of visa-free travel for Georgian civil society actors, human rights activists and journalists, among others, both for travelling to the EU to inform European actors of developments in Georgia, but also for enabling them to quickly leave the country, as many face political persecution by the authorities;

    Alignment on foreign policy matters

    24. Deplores the fact that Georgian Dream is undoing decades of progress towards democracy, the rule of law and Euro-Atlantic integration and is alienating its allies, which had supported it throughout the process; regrets that Georgia has made no progress on implementing the EU’s recommendations on foreign, security and defence policy and that the level of Georgia’s alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP) remains remarkably low, at 49 %, demonstrating its lack of commitment to European integration; emphasises that progress in the EU accession process requires full alignment with the EU’s CFSP, in line with the expectations for all candidate countries; regrets the fact that Georgia does not participate in the EU’s crisis management missions and operations under the common security and defence policy; regrets the fact that misalignment of Georgia’s foreign policy is leading to self-isolation and that Georgian Dream’s repressive regime is worsening the instability in the South Caucasus region and the Black Sea;

    25. Notes that Georgia, under the current government, is moving in a direction that puts it at risk of becoming a Russian vassal state like Belarus; regrets the fact that, at a time when the democratic world is standing in strong support of Ukraine against the Russian Federation’s unprovoked war of aggression, the current Georgian authorities are increasingly aligning themselves with Kremlin policies and rhetoric, thereby contributing to historical revisionism; notes that Georgia has not aligned with the vast majority of sanctions against Russia, Belarus and Iran, but has claimed that it has cooperated with the EU to prevent sanctions circumvention; expresses its concern, however, over reports alleging Georgia’s role in facilitating the evasion of EU sanctions against Russia; calls, therefore, on the Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into such allegations;

     

    26. Notes also with concern the recent strategic turn by the Georgian Dream government towards China and its increasing cooperation with Iran; notes the Georgian Dream’s public support for Chinese geostrategic initiatives and strengthened bilateral economic relations, including the award of the Anaklia deep-sea port construction project to a Chinese-led consortium; emphasises that such a move contradicts Georgia’s stated commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration; underscores that the Anaklia project now risks becoming a vehicle for increasing Chinese political, financial and economic leverage in the region, thereby further distancing Georgia from its strategic partners in the West; calls, in this regard, on the Commission and the Member States to review and, if necessary, suspend or redirect funding for regional connectivity projects; expresses serious concern about Georgia’s increased multifaceted cooperation with Teheran, which can lead to Georgia’s further isolation;

     

    27. Warns that Georgia’s ongoing turn towards authoritarianism and increasing alignment with Russia constitutes a growing threat to European security, particularly in view of Georgia’s strategic location and access to the Black Sea, which is critical to Russia projecting power in the region; underlines that the ruling Georgian Dream party’s strategy may be replicated elsewhere as a playbook for hybrid state capture; is concerned about regional repercussions and warns that the credibility of European action in the wider South Caucasus is at stake, especially in anticipation of the forthcoming EU Black Sea strategy;

     

    28. Is deeply concerned about Georgian Dream’s collaboration, rapprochement and ideological convergence with Russia and other authoritarian regimes, despite Russia’s creeping occupation of Georgia’s territory; denounces Georgian Dream’s promotion of and participation in Russian disinformation and manipulation, including the weaponisation of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine as a propaganda tool, which are at odds with the undiminished and extraordinarily high public support for the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration; regrets the lack of cooperation with the EU in the fight against foreign information manipulation and interference;

    29. Reiterates its strongest condemnation of Russia’s ongoing occupation of Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the continued ‘borderisation’ process, which constitutes a violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; urges the Georgian government to maintain a clear and consistent position on Russian aggression and calls for the EU to remain actively engaged in conflict resolution, human rights monitoring and support for affected communities;

    30. Recommends the reinforcement of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) with increased resources and a broader mandate to monitor foreign interference and border destabilisation; urges the Member States to ensure adequate funding and personnel for the EUMM to respond to the current political and security crisis;

    31. Notes that support from the European Peace Facility, worth EUR 30 million, was rightfully suspended in 2024 in response to the democratic backsliding in Georgia and that no support is planned for 2025; highlights that this suspension will have detrimental consequences on the national stability and security of Georgia; reiterates that any future financial support can only be authorised with the stipulation that the self-declared Georgian regime step down and fair and impartial elections be held;

     

    °

    ° °

    32. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Jamaica

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 25, 2025

    • The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2025 Article IV consultation with Jamaica on June 12, 2025.
    • Over the last decade, Jamaica has established an enviable track record of investing in institutions and prioritizing macroeconomic stability which allowed it meet recent shocks and natural disasters in an agile, prudent, and growth-supportive manner.
    • The continued reforms will increase resilience to future shocks and natural disasters. They need to combine with a multipronged approach to overcome supply-side constraints to growth in support of growth.

    Washington, DC: On June 12, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Jamaica and considered and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting. The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    Over the last decade, Jamaica has successfully reduced its public debt, firmly anchored inflation and inflation expectations, and strengthened its external position. It has built an enviable track record of investing in institutions and prioritizing macroeconomic stability. Jamaica has met recent global shocks and natural disasters in an agile, prudent, and growth-supportive manner. GDP declined in FY2024/25 due to hurricane Beryl and tropical storm Raphael which damaged agriculture and infrastructure and undermined tourism. Nonetheless, economic activity is projected to normalize as these effects wane. Unemployment has fallen to all-time low levels (3.7 percent in January 2025) and inflation has converged to the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ)’s target band of 4-6 percent. The current account has been in surplus for the last two fiscal years with strong tourism revenues and high remittances. The international reserves’ position has continued to improve.

    The outlook points to growth settling at its potential rate once the FY2025/26 recovery is complete, with inflation stabilizing within the BOJ’s target range. Nonetheless, global developments require continued close monitoring as downside risks emanating from tighter global financial conditions, lower growth in key source markets for tourism, and trade policy disruptions remain high. Finally, extreme weather events could negatively affect economic activity. The Jamaican authorities are implementing sound macroeconomic policies in the context of strong policy frameworks. A prudent fiscal stance supports a reduction in public debt towards the target in the Fiscal Responsibility Law. The Bank of Jamaica has anchored inflation around the mid-point of the inflation target band and inflation expectations have declined to close to the upper band of the BOJ’s target range. The lowering of the policy rate in 2024 was justified in view of the temporary nature of the weather-related shocks and the expected convergence of inflation to the BOJ’s target. The current fiscal-monetary policy mix places Jamaica in a good position to respond to the various downside global risks, should they realize.

    Executive Board Assessment

    “In concluding the 2025 Article IV consultation with Jamaica, Executive Directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, as follows:

    “Over more than a decade, Jamaica has been implementing sound macroeconomic policies supported by strong policy frameworks. These efforts have allowed Jamaica to accumulate meaningful policy buffers, reduce public debt, anchor inflation, and improve its external position.

    “Recent policy efforts have further strengthened fiscal responsibility, improved the effectiveness of public sector compensation, bolstered tax and customs administration, enhanced financial oversight, and built resilience to climate change including in the context of the recently completed PLL/RSF arrangements. These advances allowed agile, prudent, and growth-supportive responses to recent global shocks and natural disasters.

    “The economy, which declined in FY2024/25 due to the weather events, is rebounding this year and is projected to grow at its potential rate with risks broadly balanced. The recovery is supported by a rebound in agriculture and tourism and its spillovers to other sectors. Risks comprise extreme weather events posing downside risks for tourism and agriculture, trade policy shocks, and disruptions to tourism or the flow of remittances. Upside risks include a faster-than-expected recovery from recent weather events, favorable tourism trends, and favorable commodity price developments.

    “Maintaining primary fiscal surpluses to reach the FRL’s ceiling of 60 percent of GDP by FY2027/28 remains essential. However, fiscal policy could become too pro-cyclical in the face of severe shocks when the debt-to-GDP ratio reaches the FRL’s target. Incorporating an explicit operational medium-term debt anchor in the FRL at a level below 60 percent of GDP would help guide policies and ensure that debt is kept at moderate levels, creating fiscal buffers to respond to adverse events. The timeline for the eventual adoption of an operational debt anchor should be assessed in the context of heightened uncertainties, which could limit the country’s ability to meet a lower debt anchor in the medium-term.

    “The authorities continue to improve the fiscal policy framework. The IFC became operational in January 2025 and assessed the consistency of current fiscal plans with the FRL. The A-PEFA assessment was completed in June 2024, providing recommendations to enhance public financial management. Reforms of tax and customs administration are supporting revenue mobilization, and sound debt management continues. The wage bill reform eliminating distortions and improving the transparency and competitiveness of the public pay to help retain skilled employees was completed last FY.

    “Ongoing efforts to bolster the monetary and financial policy frameworks should continue. Staff supports the BOJ’s cautious data-dependent monetary policy, noting that there should be scope to lower the policy rate but the heightened global uncertainties call for a cautious approach. An inflation targeting regime with a strong international reserves’ position and stable FX markets have served Jamaica well. Going forward, there is scope to deepen FX markets by reducing surrender requirements and scaling back the BOJ’s FXI. Deepening capital markets, further de-dollarizing the economy, and boosting banking sector competition would improve resource allocation and help strengthen monetary transmission. The adoption of Basel III, the expansion of the BOJ supervisory remit, and unification of financial supervision under a twin-peaks regime are all going in the right direction. Jamaica exited FATF’s increased monitoring (grey list) in June 2024. Building on this achievement, the authorities continue to strengthen AML/CFT and are preparing for the fifth round of the Mutual Evaluation Process (expected by mid-2026).

    “A multipronged approach is required to overcome supply-side constraints to growth. Low productivity resulting from the misallocation of resources is amplified by structural impediments including high crime, barriers to competition, poor educational outcomes, inadequate infrastructure, and barriers to trade. The authorities are addressing these barriers through product and labor market reforms, education, infrastructure, trade, and climate-aware reforms including by completing reform measures under the RSF completed last September. These reforms have the potential to catalyze private sector financing for climate-related investment.”

    Table. Jamaica: Selected Economic Indicators

               
               

    Population (2023): 2.84 million

    Per capita GDP (2023): US$6,850

     

    Quota (current; millions SDRs/% of total): 382.9/0.08

    Literacy rate (2022)/Poverty rate (2021): 91.7%/16.7%

    Main products and exports: alumina, tourism, chemicals, mineral fuels, bauxite

    Unemployment rate (January 2025): 3.7%

     

    Key export markets: U.S., U.K., Canada

             

     

    2022/23

    2023/24

    2024/25

    2025/26

    Act.

    Act.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Output

             

    Real GDP growth (%)

     

    4.7

    1.8

    -0.8

    2.2

               

    Employment

             

    Unemployment (%) 1/

     

    4.5

    4.2

    3.7

               

    Prices

             

    Inflation, end of period (%)

     

    6.2

    5.6

    5.0

    5.0

    Inflation, average (%)

     

    9.5

    6.2

    5.1

    5.0

               

    Central government finances 2/

             

    Budgetary revenue (% of GDP)

     

    30.1

    30.6

    33.3

    31.7

    Budgetary expenditure (% of GDP)

     

    29.8

    30.5

    33.0

    31.7

    Budget balance (% of GDP)

     

    0.3

    0.0

    0.3

    0.0

    Of which: central government primary balance

     

    5.8

    5.7

    5.9

    5.2

    Public entities balance (% of GDP)

     

    1.4

    2.3

    1.7

    0.0

    Public sector balance (% of GDP)

     

    1.7

    2.3

    2.0

    0.0

    Public debt (% of GDP)

     

    77.0

    73.4

    69.2

    64.9

               

    Money and credit

             

    Broad money (% change)

     

    9.8

    9.1

    6.2

    9.1

    Credit to the private sector (% change)

     

    10.5

    9.4

    6.1

    9.4

    Treasury bill rate, end-of-period (%)

     

    8.3

    8.1

    5.7

    Treasury bill rate, average (%)

     

    8.2

    8.1

    7.1

               

    Balance of payments

             

    Current account (% of GDP)

     

    1.9

    3.1

    2.6

    1.3

    FDI, net (% of GDP)

     

    1.9

    1.5

    1.0

    1.3

    Gross international reserves (months of imports)

     

    5.6

    6.4

    7.2

    6.8

    External debt (% of GDP)

     

    78.8

    69.6

    62.6

    58.5

               

    Exchange rate

             

    End-of-period REER (appreciation +)

    5.4

    -0.7

    Sources: Jamaican authorities; UNDP Human Development Report; Information Notice System; and Fund staff estimates and projections.

    1/ As of April. In FY2024/25 January 2025.

    2/ Fiscal year: April 1 to March 31. Government finances according to the authorities’ definitions.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/Jamaica page.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/pr25219-jamaica-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation-with-jamaica

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Summer break brings uncertainty for children, and kindness at home matters

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Amina Yousaf, Associate Head, Early Childhood Studies, University of Guelph-Humber

    Transitions, even positive ones, can be tough on children. (kahar erbol/Unsplash)

    As the school year wraps up, many children are keen for summer break. Summer means sunshine, and hopefully popsicles and lots of playtime. But for many families, summer also brings a combination of excitement and uncertainty.

    In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, this transition may feel particularly challenging. In recent years, children across age groups have faced significant disruptions to their social and emotional development. Both parents and education experts say lockdowns and ongoing pandemic disruptions left lingering impacts, with some children still struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, social skills and difficulties focusing in school.

    As summer kicks off, an effective tool for parents and caregivers is kindness. In early childhood development, kindness serves as a foundation for empathy and strong relationships, both of which are essential for social-emotional learning (SEL).




    Read more:
    Kindness: What I’ve learned from 3,000 children and adolescents


    Foundation for strong relationships

    Kindness is more than just being polite. It’s an essential element of emotional well-being and a core part of building resilience in children.

    Experiences between children and parents or their caregivers matter to how children navigate life. Learning at school also matters: Recent research shows that children aged nine to 12 who received structured SEL instruction showed notable improvements in emotional well-being, peer relationships and overall happiness.

    These benefits were especially pronounced during transitional periods, like starting a new school year, which parallels the shift into summer. The study highlighted that reinforcing SEL at home through kindness and emotional support helps children feel more grounded, confident and connected.

    Experiences between children and parents or their caregivers matter to how children navigate life.
    (Shutterstock)

    Lingering pandemic effects

    This is particularly important now. A Canadian study that followed nearly 1,400 children between the ages of nine and 14 found that their mental health didn’t bounce back after COVID. After an initial period of adjustment, symptoms like anxiety, depression, trouble focusing and restlessness got worse again once life returned to “normal.”

    By 2023, more children were struggling with their mental health than at any point during the pandemic.

    Challenges also extend to younger learners. For example, a 2023 Toronto District School Board report found many kindergarten-aged children entered school with delays, including in emotional regulation, communication and social interaction.




    Read more:
    Pandemic effects linger, and art invites us to pause and behold distance, time and trauma


    While much public discourse has centred on academic recovery, these findings suggest that emotional recovery must be just as urgent a priority.

    Kindness, offered consistently and sincerely, can help lay the groundwork for this healing process.

    Grounding force during period of change

    Transitions, even positive ones, can be tough on children.

    This is where kindness becomes a practical strategy. A soft voice, a patient ear and an empathetic response can be grounding forces during periods of change.

    When your child expresses nervousness about summer activities or feels lost without school structure, simple but supportive responses like “It’s OK to feel unsure, is there something you’re curious or excited about?” can go a long way in helping them feel safe and understood.

    Kindness isn’t about coddling or sheltering children. It’s about creating the emotional security they need to develop strong coping skills.

    Emotionally supportive environments empower children to regulate their emotions and form meaningful relationships.

    Kindness is about creating the emotional security children need to develop strong coping skills.
    (Shutterstock)

    5 ways to support children

    Here are five evidence-informed ways you can combine kindness with everyday parenting to support your children during summer transitions:

    Maintain predictable routines: Even in a relaxed summer setting, consistencies like regular mealtimes, rest and play help children feel secure. Research shows routines buffer children from behavioural challenges during periods of change.

    Name and validate emotions: Help children identify what they’re feeling. For example: “You seem frustrated,” or “You seem sad,” and prompting “Would you like to talk?” supports brain development and emotional regulation.

    Offer age-appropriate choices: Providing children with simple choices fosters autonomy and reduces power struggles. A 2020 child development study linked this practice to improved emotional outcomes.

    Practice co-regulation: When you stay calm and use tools like deep breathing, soft tones and physical presence, children learn by example how to manage big feelings.

    Prioritize play and connection: Pediatric specialists emphasize that unstructured play promotes creativity, resilience and emotional healing, especially important after prolonged stress.

    Small, kind gestures, like offering a hug when your child is upset or sitting quietly with them, signal emotional availability and build trust. These simple acts help children feel safe, valued and ready to face the changes that summer may bring.

    A collective recovery, one act at a time

    Of course, kindness alone cannot solve all the challenges children face, but it offers a vital anchor during uncertain times.

    Parents and caregivers don’t need to craft perfect summer plans. What children truly need is to feel emotionally safe. As summer brings change, acts of kindness can guide children and families toward healing and growth, fostering emotional resilience.

    Amina Yousaf 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. Summer break brings uncertainty for children, and kindness at home matters – https://theconversation.com/summer-break-brings-uncertainty-for-children-and-kindness-at-home-matters-258332

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Autonomous AI systems can help tackle global food insecurity

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Woo Soo Kim, Professor, Mechatronic Systems Engineering & Founding Director, Global Institute for Agritech, Simon Fraser University

    There is a growing and urgent need to address global food insecurity. This urgency is underscored by reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which states that nearly 828 million people suffer from hunger worldwide.

    Climate change is further escalating these issues, disrupting traditional farming systems and emphasizing the need for smarter, resource-efficient solutions.

    But imagine a future where indoor farming systems can operate entirely on their own, managing water, nutrients and environmental conditions without human oversight. Such autonomous systems, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and powered by robotics, could revolutionize how we produce food, especially in regions with limited arable land.

    Tackling food and water insecurity requires innovative solutions like precision agriculture, using AI and robotics to foster sustainable development.

    My research team at Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) School of Mechatronics Systems Engineering has developed a prototype of an AI-powered sensing robot capable of autonomously monitoring the water needs of tomato plants.

    Simon Fraser University researchers and students at the Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre, Aga Kahn University, a 3700-acre ecological reserve, tested drone technology to improve farming operations in Tanzania.
    (Woo Soo Kim)

    AI-powered farming

    In conventional greenhouses, several water management techniques are used to enhance efficiency and minimize waste. These include drip irrigation and using soil moisture sensors and automated irrigation systems.

    Despite their effectiveness, these methods have limitations in responsiveness and accuracy, and can lead to over- or under-watering, wasting resources and impacting crop health.

    Agriculture takes up the vast majority of the water humanity uses. As water scarcity affects over two billion people worldwide, it is critical to find innovative ways to more efficiently use water.

    At SFU, we’ve built an innovative robot that uses electrical signals from plants, also known as plant electrophysiology responses, as real-time indicators of plant health and hydration needs. The system integrates advanced AI algorithms to interpret these signals and determine when water should be supplied.

    This technology eliminates the traditional guesswork and manual labour involved in irrigation, promoting efficient water use and reducing waste while optimizing plant health.

    Recent research highlights the potential of integrating AI innovations into agriculture. AI-powered systems can significantly improve water efficiency, reduce chemical runoff and optimize crop yields.

    Advances in robotics are also facilitating non-invasive and continuous monitoring of plant health, enabling interventions that are both precise and timely.

    Recent advances in plant physiological signal monitoring have shown that sensors capable of capturing electrical signals reflecting plant stress, hydration and overall health can provide highly specific, real-time data.

    A research team at SFU has developed an AI-powered sensing robot capable of autonomously monitoring water needs of tomato plants using the plant’s own electrical signals.
    (Woo Soo Kim)

    Our non-invasive sensing robot improves this process by enabling continuous and efficient monitoring of plant health, making automation more responsive and effective.

    When combined with AI, these signals enable precision watering that is dynamically adapted to the plant’s actual needs, representing a significant leap in intelligent plant care.

    Furthermore, recent innovations using multi-spectral imaging and machine learning have vastly improved our ability to detect disease and when plants are stressed. This can be integrated with electrical sensing robots like ours to develop comprehensive systems to monitor plant health.

    With these improvements fully autonomous agriculture is becoming feasible. This technology goes beyond irrigation, using robotic sensing to interpret plant signals and enable autonomous nutrient management and environmental monitoring.

    These multifunctional robots aim to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and increase crop yields, supporting global food security through holistic plant health management.

    From greenhouses to fields

    Our prototype shows promise in greenhouses. However, the real potential of AI water management lies in scalable, adaptable solutions. Addressing global food and water security requires international collaboration to share knowledge, technology and develop region-specific strategies for areas impacted by scarcity and climate change.

    In recent years, our team has engaged deeply with agricultural communities in Tanzania and Asia-Pacific nations such as Singapore, Philippines, Japan and South Korea, understanding their unique challenges.

    These regions face acute water shortages, limited access to sophisticated technology and the adverse impacts of climate change. To be effective, solutions developed in controlled environments must be adapted and made accessible to farmers.

    This means developing sensor tools that are affordable and simple to use, and scalable AI and robotic systems that can operate effectively under variable environmental and infrastructural conditions.

    The real potential of AI water management lies in developing scalable, adaptable solutions.
    (Alana McPherson)

    International collaboration plays a vital role here. Sharing knowledge through cross-border research partnerships, capacity-building programs and technology transfer initiatives can accelerate the deployment of smart agriculture solutions worldwide.

    The Food and Agriculture Organization, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and the World Bank are actively fostering such collaborations, emphasizing that sustainable agriculture progress depends on integrating cutting-edge technology with local knowledge.

    Our goal is to develop affordable, easy-to-deploy AI sensing robots for smallholder farms that can provide real-time plant monitoring to reduce waste and improve yields.

    These systems can foster resilient farming ecosystems, and contribute toward meeting the UN’s sustainable development goal of ending hunger and malnutrition.

    Ultimately, scaling prototypes like ours from greenhouses to global agriculture requires strong international collaboration. Supportive policies and knowledge sharing will accelerate the deployment of intelligent water management systems. This will empower farmers globally to achieve more sustainable and resilient food production.

    Woo Soo Kim receives funding from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Mitacs.

    ref. Autonomous AI systems can help tackle global food insecurity – https://theconversation.com/autonomous-ai-systems-can-help-tackle-global-food-insecurity-258788

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada opens applications for the AI Compute Access Fund

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Fund will support Canadian SMEs in accessing high-performance compute capacity

    June 25, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario 

    As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape our world, the Government of Canada seeks to harness AI’s opportunities, mitigate its risks and foster trust. With strategic government investments and support for responsible AI adoption, Canada will grow its AI ecosystem and enhance productivity across the country.

    Today, the Government of Canada opened applications for the AI Compute Access Fund, a key initiative under the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy. This fund will provide up to $300 million for affordable access to compute power for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to develop made-in-Canada AI products and solutions.

    A due diligence assessment of each project proposal will be conducted to evaluate:

    • the organization’s capacity and experience to implement the project
    • the project’s ability to achieve AI Compute Access Fund objectives
    • the viability, impact and benefits of the project to Canada

    Investing in AI is vital to building the strongest economy in the G7. The Government of Canada remains steadfast in supporting the nation’s AI ecosystem with strategic investments that will drive both economic growth and responsible technological advancement. With this commitment, the government is unlocking new opportunities for prosperity, resiliency and national security, while strengthening Canada’s leadership position in the global AI landscape.

    The Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, including the Access Fund, will help:

    • scale Canada’s AI industry
    • increase productivity and drive AI adoption rates across the country
    • make high-performance computing more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses
    • foster groundbreaking, made-in-Canada AI solutions in sectors such as life sciences, energy and advanced manufacturing

    With the AI Compute Access Fund and the broader $2 billion Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, the government is ensuring that Canadian innovators have the tools they need to compete, drive discoveries and create new jobs in a modern, tech-enabled economy.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Doctor Recruitment Partnership Announcement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    L-R: Nick Hilton, MLA for Yarmouth and Ministerial Assistant for Health and Wellness; Dr. Mohammad Srour; Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness; Premier Tim Houston; Wadih Fares, Honorary Consul of Lebanon in Halifax; and Dr. Gus Grant, CEO and Registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, at the announcement. (Province of Nova Scotia)


    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI: Fengate Asset Management and Tilbury Properties break ground on new P3 student residence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SARNIA, Ontario, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fengate Asset Management (Fengate), in partnership with Tilbury Properties (Tilbury), broke ground today on the new Lambton College student residence in Sarnia, marking the official start of construction.

    Fengate and Tilbury joined Lambton College students, employees, elected officials, partners, and community stakeholders on site for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the new student residence.

    “Fengate and our partners at Tilbury are proud to be delivering this essential home-away-from-home for students of Lambton College, and we are proud to be on site to break ground on the largest project in the college’s history,” said Mac Bell, Managing Director, Infrastructure Investments at Fengate.

    “Tilbury has deep roots in the local Sarnia community,” said Michael Kaye, Founding Partner at Tilbury. “In 1969, my grandfather’s construction company was awarded the contract to build the first ever Lambton College building on this campus. To be following in his footsteps and partnering with the College on this legacy project that will have a similar impact on the community and Lambton College students for decades to come is truly an honour.”

    Located in the heart of Lambton County, Lambton College is a globally recognized leader in education, innovation, and applied research. As the sole postsecondary institution in the region, the College plays a vital role in the community, driving economic development and diversification, propelling social and environmental innovation, and providing quality education to domestic and international students to ensure a thriving skilled workforce.

    Fengate and Tilbury were selected to design, construct, finance, operate, and maintain the new residence under a public-private partnership (P3) following a competitive procurement process. The partnership recently achieved financial close on the 311-bed on-campus residence and are targeting an opening date of September 2027.

    About Fengate

    Fengate is a leading alternative investment manager focused on infrastructure, private equity and real estate strategies, with more than $10 billion of capital commitments under management. The firm has been investing in infrastructure since 2006 with a focus on mid-market greenfield and brownfield infrastructure assets in the transportation, social, energy transition and digital sectors. Fengate is one of North America’s most active infrastructure investors and developers with a portfolio of more than 50 assets. Learn more at www.fengate.com.

    About Tilbury

    Tilbury Properties is a Canadian real estate development firm focused on purpose-built student housing. Founded in 2020, the company has over 1,000 student beds in various stages of development, making it one of the leading developers in Canada’s student housing sector. Learn more at www.tilburyprop.com.

    Media Contact

    Maddison Sharples
    Vice President, Communications and Marketing
    Fengate Asset Management
    +1 416-254-3326
    Maddison.Sharples@fengate.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Airport improvements support economic growth

    Communities that rely upon regional airports, heliports and water aerodromes provincewide will benefit from funding provided through the Province of B.C.’s Air Access Program.

    “Through the B.C. Air Access Program, we’re supporting upgrades to airports that will improve access for vital communities across our province,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “These improvements to our rural and regional airports will help keep British Columbians connected and our economy on the move.”

    This year, the Province is investing $6.2 million through the BC Air Access Program (BCAAP) to support 16 airport upgrades throughout B.C., prioritizing the needs of local communities.

    Projects include:

    • runway improvements in Comox, Courtenay and Vanderhoof;
    • a permanent heliport to serve the isolated community of Tipella, supporting air ambulance and visits by medical practitioners;
    • wildlife-exclusion fencing at Fort St. James;
    • upgraded weather monitoring at Fairmont Hot Springs; and
    • lighting and fuel system upgrades at several airports to improve safety.

    “From wildfire suppression to air-ambulance operations, from high-value tourism to connecting Indigenous and rural communities within our province and beyond, the B.C. Air Access Program supports our economy and society,” said Cathy Press, chair, BC Aviation Council.

    B.C. is home to more than 300 public airports, heliports and water aerodromes that connect people and their communities, support the economy and help keep people safe. 

    While airports are under federal jurisdiction, the Province recognizes the importance of smaller airports to their communities. Since 2017, including this announcement, BCAAP has committed more than $70 million in grants to infrastructure projects at 80 air facilities.

    The program is open to facilities that serve fewer than one million passengers per year. BCAAP has an open intake for all eligible applicants every year throughout November and December.

    Learn More:

    For more information about aviation infrastructure funding and cost-sharing, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/aviation-infrastructure-funding

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to G7 reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to G7 reiterating importance of peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

    • Date:2025-06-18
    • Data Source:Department of North American Affairs

    June 18, 2025 

    The 2025 G7 leaders’ summit was held in Kananaskis, Canada, from June 15 to 17. The chair’s summary published following the summit emphasized G7 members’ ongoing and serious concerns about China’s destabilizing actions in the East and South China Seas and the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes and highly appreciates these remarks.

     

    The summary once again clearly underlined G7 members’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the international rule of law. In addition, G7 leaders expressed concern over China’s use of such comprehensive nonmarket policies and actions as market distortion and overcapacity.

     

    Minister Lin sincerely appreciates that G7 members, following joint statements by G7 foreign ministers in March and April, once again conveyed support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which highlights the international consensus on this matter. Maintaining the cross-strait status quo is indispensable to global security and prosperity. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with global society to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Global Nuclear Emergency Exercise Concludes, Testing International Response in Simulated Reactor Accident

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    During the ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise, one of the response measures includes aerial monitoring of the environment. (Photo: J. Jin)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with over 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully concluded a 36-hour simulation that tested global readiness and response mechanisms to a severe nuclear emergency scenario at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise began on 24 June and concluded today, 25 June, at about 17:45 CEST.

    Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.

    The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, prompting participating nations and organizations to engage in real-time decision-making, information exchange, public communication and coordination of protective actions, including medical response and cross-border logistics.

    “The ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together in realistic scenarios, we enhance our collective ability to protect people and the environment.”

    Key innovations in this year’s exercise included:

    • Enhanced regional collaboration: Recognizing the transboundary impact of severe nuclear accidents, neighbouring countries Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova coordinated protective measures to ensure harmonized responses across borders.
    • Integration of nuclear security scenarios: The simulation incorporated physical protection challenges and cyber security threats, reflecting evolving risks.
    • Advanced crisis communication testing: An expanded social media simulator was utilized to assess and improve public information strategies.
    • Deployment of international assistance missions: Expert teams from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Lithuania, Moldova, Sweden and the United States of America conducted joint operations, including aerial and land-based radiation monitoring, under the IAEA’s Response and Assistance Network (RANET).

    The exercise emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessment and prognosis, and effective public communication during nuclear emergencies.

    ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen the emergency response frameworks established under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

    In the coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from all participants to identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continuous enhancement of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report will guide preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (EPR 2025) to be held this December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Photos from ConvEx-3 are available here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada celebrates AI and Tech Innovation in Toronto

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Minister Solomon meets with leaders in innovation during Toronto Tech Week

    June 25, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario 

    Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), attended Frontiers of AI, co-hosted by MaRS Discovery District (MaRS), Vector Institute (Vector) and the University of Toronto, to discuss the future of Canada’s AI economy.  

    Minister Solomon began the day at MaRS, a leading innovation hub supporting science and technology startups and scaleups, where he highlighted Canada’s leadership in AI development. He reiterated the Government of Canada’s commitment to working alongside innovators to drive growth, create jobs, and scale Canada’s AI industry at home and on the world stage.

    Minister Solomon also met with a number of businesses, including FedDev Ontario-supported Ecopia AI (Ecopia), a Canadian technology company using AI to create high-precision mapping data for critical applications around the world.

    Vector’s world-class research community is pushing the boundaries of AI science, from accelerating equitable access to liver transplants to improving cancer care, and through its secure health AI network, is enabling data-driven solutions to critical issues like staffing shortages, wait times, and patient outcomes. This afternoon, Minister Solomon announced an investment of $3.5 million for Vector to deliver HealthSpark – an initiative to fast-track AI innovation in Canadian health care and services. With this support, high-potential scaleups and startups will receive training, mentorship and access to key networks and AI engineering expertise, as they develop AI solutions to tackle some of our most pressing healthcare challenges.

    The Government of Canada is making strategic investments to support AI adoption to foster real solutions, improve lives, reshape industries and reimagine what is possible.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Clearing the Way with Ditch Mowing and Hay Salvage

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 25, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is reminding farmers and producers that they can salvage hay along provincial highways.

    “The hay salvage and ditch mowing program provides several benefits for Saskatchewan residents,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “The program offers a cost-effective way to keep vegetation along our highway system in check while supplying free hay to farmers and producers.”

    The program supports agricultural producers while enhancing road safety by improving visibility of signage, controlling brush and noxious weeds and ensuring safer intersections and curves by maintaining clear sightlines.

    “Programs like this provide timely, practical support for Saskatchewan producers facing pressures from weather and input costs,” Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison said. “Access to quality hay is essential for livestock operations, and this initiative gives producers another opportunity to secure feed while making good use of roadside resources.”

    Key program dates to remember:

    • Prior to and including July 8, landowners or lessees adjacent to a highway ditch have the first option to cut or bale hay.
    • After July 8 anyone may cut or bale hay without the permission of the nearby landowner or lessee, as long as these activities are not already underway.
    • All hay bales must be removed from ditches by August 8.

    The Ministry of Highways will deliver the mowing program with the assistance of contractors and local rural municipalities. About 45,400 hectares will be mowed in 2025.

    “This initiative provides valuable support to rural producers, especially during challenging times like drought or feed shortages,” SARM President Bill Huber said. “Allowing responsible hay salvaging helps reduce waste and supports the agricultural community’s resilience. SARM encourages producers to follow safety guidelines and work collaboratively with local authorities to make the most of this resource.”

    For more information about hay salvage and ditch mowing, visit: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/programs-and-services/livestock-programs/ditch-mowing-and-hay-salvage.

    Motorists are reminded to check the Highway Hotline for the latest road conditions at before travelling https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map. 

    Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $13.8 billion in transportation infrastructure, improving over 21,800 kilometres of highways across the province.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Dan Palmer
    Highways
    Regina
    Phone: 306-787-3179
    Email: dan.palmer@gov.sk.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global Nuclear Emergency Exercise Concludes, Testing International Response in Simulated Reactor Accident

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    During the ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise, one of the response measures includes aerial monitoring of the environment. (Photo: J. Jin)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with over 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully concluded a 36-hour simulation that tested global readiness and response mechanisms to a severe nuclear emergency scenario at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise began on 24 June and concluded today, 25 June, at about 17:45 CEST.

    Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.

    The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, prompting participating nations and organizations to engage in real-time decision-making, information exchange, public communication and coordination of protective actions, including medical response and cross-border logistics.

    “The ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together in realistic scenarios, we enhance our collective ability to protect people and the environment.”

    Key innovations in this year’s exercise included:

    • Enhanced regional collaboration: Recognizing the transboundary impact of severe nuclear accidents, neighbouring countries Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova coordinated protective measures to ensure harmonized responses across borders.
    • Integration of nuclear security scenarios: The simulation incorporated physical protection challenges and cyber security threats, reflecting evolving risks.
    • Advanced crisis communication testing: An expanded social media simulator was utilized to assess and improve public information strategies.
    • Deployment of international assistance missions: Expert teams from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Lithuania, Moldova, Sweden and the United States of America conducted joint operations, including aerial and land-based radiation monitoring, under the IAEA’s Response and Assistance Network (RANET).

    The exercise emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessment and prognosis, and effective public communication during nuclear emergencies.

    ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen the emergency response frameworks established under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

    In the coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from all participants to identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continuous enhancement of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report will guide preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (EPR 2025) to be held this December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Photos from ConvEx-3 are available here.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Competition Bureau wants more airline competition, but it won’t solve Canada’s aviation challenges

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Geraint Harvey, DANCAP Private Equity Chair in Human Organization, Western University

    A recent market study by the Competition Bureau is calling for more airline competition in Canada’s airline industry to reduce fares, increase service quality and provide better services to remote communities.

    The study reiterates that Canada’s domestic air travel market is largely dominated by just two carriers, Air Canada and WestJet. Together, they account for between 56 per cent to 78 per cent of all domestic passenger traffic. This concentration limits passenger choice, and many Canadians feel airfares are high and quality of service is low as a consequence.

    Increased competition has lowered air fares elsewhere, like in Europe, for example, where low-fares airlines dominate the continental market. However, there have been negative outcomes for consumers.

    While the bureau positions competition as the solution to the many issues plaguing the industry, it overlooks how an increase in competition can fall short, particularly when it comes to transparency, service quality, labour conditions and regional connectivity.

    Cost transparency not likely to improve

    One of the Competition Bureau’s key criticisms of Canada’s airline industry is the lack of cost transparency when booking flights. Hidden fees and complex fare structures make it difficult for travellers to effectively make comparisons among airlines.

    But it’s unreasonable to expect increased competition — when airlines seek to make their offering more attractive than their competitors — to lead to greater transparency in Canada. In fact, competition has been linked theoretically and empirically to dishonest practices.

    Europe provides a cautionary example. Increased competition has not led to greater air fare transparency in Europe. Airlines like Ryanair, a low-fare airline and the continent’s largest airline by passengers carried, have been accused of hiding fees for passengers.

    Service quality and workers

    The bureau’s study also found that many Canadians are dissatisfied with the quality of service offered by domestic airlines. Yet increased competition is unlikely to raise service standards. As airlines compete to offer the lowest fares, they often look to reduce operating costs, typically at the expense of service quality.

    Those who suffer the most from airlines minimizing costs are employees, since labour represents one of the few areas where airlines can cut back.

    The morality and safety implications of introducing wage and employment insecurity to workers within high reliability organizations aside, reducing the quality of employment terms and conditions for workers in such an important industry is short-sighted.

    Claims of a pilot shortage are contested, and making employment in Canadian aviation less attractive for a highly skilled and crucial occupational group like pilots is a strategic faux pas that could have long-term consequences for the industry’s stability.




    Read more:
    Potential Air Canada pilot strike: Key FAQs and why the anger at pilots is misplaced


    Remote communities left behind

    Canada’s unique geography means that many remote regions rely on airlines for goods and transport. Yet these areas are not effectively served by the commercial aviation industry. The bureau suggests greater competition could help, but that claim is questionable.

    The reason existing airlines are not providing a greater number of flights between remote communities and larger airports is because these routes aren’t profitable. Rather than expanding service, a more competitive market could shrink route availability because airlines could abandon less profitable routes or refuse to compete on routes where a market leader emerges.

    To its credit, the bureau offers several recommendations for northern and remote communities. But these communities are unlikely to benefit from competition alone. In fact, increased competition would likely mean airlines will focus on profitable routes and remove those that don’t yield high profits.

    Europe’s airline industry is once again instructive. Eurocontrol, a pan-European organization dedicated to the success of commercial aviation in Europe, states that “domestic aviation in Europe has experienced a substantial and persistent decline over the past two decades,” including the demise of regional operators serving lower-density routes.

    Where routes have been maintained — in Norway, for example — it’s as a consequence of public service obligations that guarantee essential routes are maintained through government support.

    It’s because of public service obligations, not competition, that the Canadian government can serve remote communities. Without such safeguards, increased competition has the potential to do more harm than good.

    Risks of relaxing foreign ownership

    The bureau also recommended relaxing rules around foreign ownership within the Canadian airline industry so that a wholly foreign owned airline can compete domestically.

    But not all airlines are equal. Some, like Qatar Airways, are backed by the government of their home state. Qatar Airways has purchased stakes in airlines in Asia Pacific and Africa.

    Competition with airlines such as Qatar Airways is inherently unfair because of the huge financial support it receives. Allowing such state-backed carriers into the Canadian market could place domestic airlines at a significant competitive disadvantage. This could not only weaken Canadian airlines, but also be detrimental to the Canadian economy if domestic carriers are pushed out.

    Competition may reduce fares, but it always comes at a cost. Canadians must be certain that lower fares are worth the cost.

    Geraint Harvey 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. The Competition Bureau wants more airline competition, but it won’t solve Canada’s aviation challenges – https://theconversation.com/the-competition-bureau-wants-more-airline-competition-but-it-wont-solve-canadas-aviation-challenges-259498

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province Commits to Public Safety Improvements Following Policing Review

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province released the findings of the comprehensive policing review today, June 25.

    The government will introduce six foundational changes and expand the role of the provincial police to improve public safety.

    “Today marks a pivotal moment for the future of policing in Nova Scotia,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Becky Druhan. “We accept the recommendations that Deloitte Canada has brought forward and we are taking action to ensure every Nova Scotian – regardless of where they live – has access to high-quality, modern policing services.”

    Two complementary documents that reflect the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and meaningful change in policing were released – the technical report from review consultant Deloitte Canada and Shaping the Future: Policing in Nova Scotia, which presents the findings from extensive public engagement as well as plans for policing in the province.

    The six foundational changes being implemented to improve public safety are:

    • establishing a single police records system to replace the three that currently exist
    • adding community safety personnel
    • ensuring appropriate policing staff levels across the province
    • establishing community safety boards
    • augmenting provincial police standards
    • introducing a new RCMP billing mechanism for municipalities.

    “Nova Scotians told us that the current policing model is not working. We are committed to building a stronger system of public safety where all police agencies operate at the same high level,” said Minister Druhan. “We will work with municipalities to chart a path forward, but one thing is clear – the status quo is not an option, and we won’t compromise on public safety.”

    The Province will also move ahead with further strengthening of police standards, which every police agency must meet. The government will work with those that cannot meet the standards through expansion of the provincial police – currently the RCMP – which delivers policing services in most areas of Nova Scotia.

    In September 2024, the Minister of Justice directed new policing standards for all police agencies in Nova Scotia; compliance audits on these standards will begin this fall.

    Changes support safer communities, address key recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report and respond to public feedback received through the comprehensive police review.


    Quick Facts:

    • more than 7,000 Nova Scotians took part in the police review through surveys, community sessions and written submissions
    • there are 10 municipal police agencies in Nova Scotia; the RCMP provides policing services to all other areas of the province
    • policing services in Nova Scotia are provided by about 1,890 sworn officers and 1,450 civilian personnel
    • the Province pays $190 million per year for policing services
    • the current RCMP Provincial Police Service Agreement will expire in 2032

    Additional Resources:

    Both reports – Shaping the Future: Perspectives on Policing in Nova Scotia and the policing review report and recommendations from Deloitte – are available at: https://novascotia.ca/just/Publications/#P

    Nova Scotia Department of Justice – public safety and security division: https://novascotia.ca/just/policing_services/

    Nova Scotia Policing Standards: https://novascotia.ca/just/Policing_Services/standards.asp

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Global Nuclear Emergency Exercise Concludes, Testing International Response in Simulated Reactor Accident

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    During the ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise, one of the response measures includes aerial monitoring of the environment. (Photo: J. Jin)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with over 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully concluded a 36-hour simulation that tested global readiness and response mechanisms to a severe nuclear emergency scenario at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise began on 24 June and concluded today, 25 June, at about 17:45 CEST.

    Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.

    The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, prompting participating nations and organizations to engage in real-time decision-making, information exchange, public communication and coordination of protective actions, including medical response and cross-border logistics.

    “The ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together in realistic scenarios, we enhance our collective ability to protect people and the environment.”

    Key innovations in this year’s exercise included:

    • Enhanced regional collaboration: Recognizing the transboundary impact of severe nuclear accidents, neighbouring countries Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova coordinated protective measures to ensure harmonized responses across borders.
    • Integration of nuclear security scenarios: The simulation incorporated physical protection challenges and cyber security threats, reflecting evolving risks.
    • Advanced crisis communication testing: An expanded social media simulator was utilized to assess and improve public information strategies.
    • Deployment of international assistance missions: Expert teams from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Lithuania, Moldova, Sweden and the United States of America conducted joint operations, including aerial and land-based radiation monitoring, under the IAEA’s Response and Assistance Network (RANET).

    The exercise emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessment and prognosis, and effective public communication during nuclear emergencies.

    ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen the emergency response frameworks established under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

    In the coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from all participants to identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continuous enhancement of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report will guide preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (EPR 2025) to be held this December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Photos from ConvEx-3 are available here.

    MIL Security OSI