NewzIntel.com

Category: Canada

  • MIL-Evening Report: Would a corporate tax cut boost productivity in Australia? So far, the evidence is unclear

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Isaac Gross, Lecturer in Economics, Monash University

    The Conversation, CC BY-NC

    The first term of the Albanese government was defined by its fight against inflation, but the second looks like it will be defined by a need to kick start Australia’s sluggish productivity growth.

    Productivity is essentially the art of earning more while working less and is critical for driving our standard of living higher.

    The Productivity Commission, tasked with figuring out how to get Australia’s sluggish productivity back on track, is pushing hard for corporate tax cuts as a key part of their plan for building a “dynamic and resilient economy”.

    The idea? Lower taxes will attract more foreign investment, get businesses spending again and eventually boost workers’ productivity.

    Commission chair, Danielle Wood, said last week while the commission wanted to create more investment opportunities, it was aware this would hit the budget bottom line:

    So we’re looking at ways to spur investment while finding other ways we might be able to pick up revenue in the system.

    The general company tax rate is currently 30% for large firms, and there’s a reduced rate of 25% for smaller companies with an overall turnover of less than A$50 million.

    What the textbooks and other countries tell us

    The Productivity Commission’s theory makes sense: if you make capital cheaper and you should get more of it flowing in.

    A larger stock of capital means there is more to invest in Australian workers. This should make us more productive and help boost workers’ wages. And looking overseas, the evidence mostly backs this up.

    A meta-analysis of 25 studies covering the US, UK, Japan, France, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland,
    Denmark, Portugal and Finland found every percentage point you slice off the corporate tax rate brings in about 3.3% more foreign direct investment.

    Other research shows multinational companies really do move their operations to places with lower tax rates. This explains why we’re seeing this race to the bottom across Europe and North America, with countries constantly trying to undercut each other.

    Research on location decisions shows how multinationals reshuffle their operations based on effective average tax rates.

    Even within the United States, a US study found increases in corporate tax rates lead to big reductions in employment and wage income. However, corporate tax cuts can boost economic activity – though typically only if they are implemented during recessions.

    Australia’s limited track record

    Here in Australia we don’t have much local evidence to go on, and what we do have is pretty puzzling.

    This matters because Australia’s corporate tax system has some unique features that may make overseas evidence less relevant. We have dividend imputation (franking credits), different treatment of capital gains, access to immediate reimbursement for some small business expenses and complex capitalisation rules that limit debt deductions for multinationals.

    The Federal Government is focussed on improving productivity. In this five-part series, we’ve asked leading experts what that means for the economy, what’s holding us back and their best ideas for reform.

    A study by a group of Australian National University economists looked at how the tax system affects business investment. They examined the [2015 and 2016 corporate tax cuts] for small businesses using data on business investment from the Australian Bureau of Statistics combined with tax data from the Australian Tax Office.

    The findings were mixed. After the 2015 cut, firms already investing in buildings and equipment spent more — that is, the policy boosted investment only at the intensive margin.

    By contrast, there was no evidence it enticed firms that had not been investing to start doing so. The follow-up cut in 2016 had even less bite. Its estimated effect on investment was so small it is statistically indistinguishable from zero.

    It remains unclear why the previous corporate tax reductions largely failed to produce a measurable increase in investment. Perhaps the tax cut itself was simply too modest. Or the available data was too volatile to capture its effects.

    But it runs contrary to what economic theory tells us to expect. This should give us pause for thought.

    The big questions nobody can answer yet

    For politicians thinking about another round of corporate tax cuts, this creates an uncomfortable situation. We’ve got solid evidence from overseas it works, but only one weak data point from Australia, plus a lot of head-scratching about why the second cut didn’t move the dial.

    Fortunately, the Productivity Commission has the in-house expertise to further investigate this question.

    Before we make further cuts to the company tax rate, we should have an in-depth study of these two tax cuts replicating and extending the previous work to see what effect – if any – they had on investment, employment, productivity and Australian living standards.

    Until we can solve these puzzles, Australia’s debate over corporate tax rates will keep spinning its wheels. Much like our national productivity itself.

    Isaac Gross 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. Would a corporate tax cut boost productivity in Australia? So far, the evidence is unclear – https://theconversation.com/would-a-corporate-tax-cut-boost-productivity-in-australia-so-far-the-evidence-is-unclear-258575

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Environmental assessment certificate granted for Highland Valley copper mine expansion

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    A B.C. environmental assessment certificate has been issued to Teck Highland Valley Copper Partnership for the Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension (HVC) project near Logan Lake, following a joint decision by provincial ministers.

    Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, and Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, made their decision after carefully considering the environmental assessment by B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).

    The HVC project will extend the life of the operating Highland Valley copper mine from 2028 to 2043. The mine expansion is predicted to produce approximately 900 million additional tonnes of ore and nearly two million additional tonnes of copper.

    The ministers noted in their decision that HVC will provide economic benefits to the province, the local community and First Nations. The mine expansion will increase local employment by adding 200 more permanent jobs, along with 500 to 1,250 jobs during construction. The mine currently employs 1,320 people. Without the expansion, the mine would end production in 2028 and wind down its operations.

    To streamline and expedite provincial authorizations for this priority critical minerals project, the EAO co-ordinated with permitting agencies to enable Teck to submit a single application for the environmental assessment certificate and all major permits. The EAO and ministries of Environment and Parks; Mining and Critical Minerals; and Water, Land and Resource Stewardship reviewed the application together in the first fully combined review process under the 2018 Environmental Assessment Act.

    The co-ordinated review is part of work by provincial regulators to achieve efficiencies in decision-making on priority projects. Conducting the assessment and permit reviews together can save as much as two years on provincial authorizations. Permit decisions are expected soon.

    The project assessment involved extensive consultation with technical experts, First Nations, provincial agencies, local governments and the public. In making their decision, the ministers acknowledged that while the HVC project itself would not have significant adverse impacts beyond those of the existing mine, in operation since the 1960s, the expansion would exacerbate the combined impacts from this and other projects in the region on water quantity and First Nations’ access to land and cultural practices.

    As a result, the ministers have included 17 legally binding conditions in the environmental assessment certificate, intended to prevent or reduce potential adverse environmental, economic, social, cultural and health effects from HVC, and mitigate impacts to First Nations.

    With these legally binding requirements, and requirements applied by other regulatory bodies for other provincial authorizations if granted, the ministers determined that significant adverse effects can be prevented or mitigated. Key requirements include developing plans, subject to EAO approval, to:

    • manage and mitigate impacts on surrounding watersheds;
    • avoid or reduce the loss of wetlands and riparian ecosystems;
    • reduce the impacts of the project on Nlaka’pamux Nation food sovereignty to support food, social and ceremonial needs;
    • minimize light pollution prior to and throughout operations; and
    • reduce the impact of construction workers on the availability of accommodations in local communities.

    Under the Environmental Assessment Act, First Nations participating in the process have the opportunity to provide consent or lack of consent for the project. Of the 17 First Nations that engaged in the environmental assessment, 10 consented to the project and two groups representing six First Nations initiated dispute resolution.

    Every project that undergoes an environmental assessment is assessed thoroughly on the specific and individual aspects of that particular project, including its potential environmental, economic, social, cultural and health effects, and impacts on First Nations and their rights.

    Learn More:

    Ministers’ reasons for decision: https://www.projects.eao.gov.bc.ca/api/public/document/6851ab2677f64d00222decb2/download/HVC_Reasons_For_Decision.pdf

    Documentation ministers considered in making their decision: https://www.projects.eao.gov.bc.ca/p/5cd9b4b56a15600025df0cc8/documents?keywords=HVC_Decision

    For more information on the environmental assessment process, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/environmental-assessments

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Fire Update June 17

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 17, 2025

    As of 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, there are 13 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, six are categorized as contained, three are not contained, two are ongoing assessment and two are listed as protecting values.

    This year, Saskatchewan has had 256 wildfires, which is well above the five-year average of 156 to date. 

    Due to favourable weather conditions, the provincial fire ban has been revoked. Provincial parks, municipalities and R.M.s may still have their own local fire ban, restriction or advisory in place. A list of fire restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites can be found here. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s (SPSA) interactive fire ban map includes all active bans and can be found here.

    The public is reminded to stay diligent in preventing new wildfires while enjoying time spent outside. Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1, or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office. 

    Five communities remain under an evacuation order: Creighton, Denare Beach, East Trout Lake, Whelan Bay and priority individuals in Cumberland House. 

    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 10 p.m. for assistance. 

    Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross can call 1-800-863-6582 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. A full list of evacuated and repatriated communities can be found on the Information for Evacuees webpage. 

    The SPSA has confirmed more than 350 values have been lost due to wildfires province wide. This number is expected to increase to over 500 as damage continues to be assessed. Confirmation of values lost in Denare Beach is expected this week.

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

    Established in 2017, the SPSA is a treasury board Crown corporation responsible for wildfire management, emergency management, Sask911, SaskAlert, the Civic Addressing Registry, the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program and fire safety. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    SPSA Media Desk
    Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency
    Prince Albert
    Phone: 306-798-0094
    Email: media.spsa@gov.sk.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Protecting the Northern Sea Route from Conflict and Overexploitation

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Press conference by M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic (excerpts)¹ (Nuuk, June 15, 2025)

    (Check against delivery)

    (…)

    GREENLAND

    THE PRESIDENT – Mr Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, let me first thank the Greenlandese authorities for their warm welcome. And let me thank you, Madam Prime Minister, for having organized this trip a few weeks after the State visit of your king and your queen to France. (…)

    In the current situation, Greenland has been put back at the centre of geopolitical challenges, and the Arctic’s peaceful, scientific calling is today under threat. Due to its strategic positioning within the Arctic region and its natural resources, the Kingdom of Denmark’s autonomous territory has become a coveted space and the focus of predatory ambitions. (…) I want to begin by sending a message of Europe’s solidarity and France’s support for Denmark, Greenland and the people of Greenland; a message of respect for your sovereignty and respect for your choices – choices on security, economic and social development and the sustainable management of natural resources; a message of support for your territorial integrity and for the inviolability of your borders, which are not negotiable.

    Together with its European Union partners, France will continue to uphold its principles according to the United Nations Charter. (…) In a few words, everybody thinks – in France, in the European Union – that Greenland is not to be sold, not to be taken. We had very fruitful exchanges with Mr Prime Minister and Madam Prime Minister about strategic issues in the Arctic, and obviously security and the posture of our great challengers, Russia and China, the increasing cooperation between these two powers in the region and elsewhere, and the fact that we want to clearly stand with you in order to face these challenges. And France is ready to increase its cooperation with the seven allies of the Arctic, especially in the framework of the Arctic Council and in the framework of the NB8, the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. And clearly NATO is a place where this coordination and interoperability is seriously organized. (…)

    I reminded your authorities that France is ready to do more with you in terms of security, the economy and education and to help develop concrete projects on the ground, be it hydroelectric power or other projects. I also told the two prime ministers of our proposal to open a consulate general here in Nuuk. (…) A few minutes ago we saw very clearly together the direct impact of climate change here as well. And let me tell you that, facing these challenges, we are ready as well to do much more together. The new maritime route in the new northern sea routes should be preserved, and the region should be preserved, as well, from any type of conflictuality and any type of over-exploitations by other powers. (…)

    Ten years after the Paris Agreement, we see here very clearly that we have to follow up our efforts and to do much more again, together. (…) France is indeed ready to strengthen its scientific and academic cooperation, particularly with regard to studying the long-term impact of global warming in the Arctic. (…)

    Finally, the European Union has also had a presence in Greenland for a long time. Europe is ready to support Greenland’s economic and social development, whether it concerns decarbonized energy, infrastructure, education, sustainable fisheries or critical raw materials. That’s the purpose of the strategic partnership signed in 2023 between the European Union and Greenland, which should enable us to develop sustainable value chains in the strategic raw materials sector; we’d now like to speed up the implementation of this project. (…)

    The situation in Greenland is clearly a wake-up call for all the Europeans. And let me tell you very directly that you are not alone. And when a strategic message is sent to you, I want just for you to know that it’s clearly perceived by the Europeans as targeting a European land. And this flag you have here is our common flag. And we know our common values, and we know our long-standing choices. And this is why it’s very important for French people and all the European people to convey very clearly this message of solidarity and the fact that we stand with you now, for today and for tomorrow. (…)

    Long live Greenland! Long live Denmark! Long live the friendship between Denmark and France, and long live Europe! (…)

    How will this visit to Greenland affect your conversation with Donald Trump at the G7?

    THE PRESIDENT – Look, I informed him about this trip, and I think it makes clear that the Europeans are ready to face the challenges we are and we have here, meaning climate change, economic development and strategic challenges, but at the same time it provides a message that we are ready, all of us, to take our responsibilities in a respectful and cooperative way. (…) And I’m optimistic, because I think there is a way forward in order to clearly build a better future in cooperation and not in provocation or confrontation. (…)

    G7/UKRAINE/MIDDLE EAST

    We were talking a moment ago about the G7, which gets under way in a few hours, in the middle of a war, in the middle of a conflict between Israel and Iran. What do you think the G7 countries can do? Donald Trump has said he’s open to President Putin mediating. What do you think?

    THE PRESIDENT – (…) We must talk about the two major conflicts, the Middle East and Ukraine. And for me, the G7 must aim to bring everyone back together, and therefore, for Ukraine, secure as soon as possible a ceasefire that allows a robust, lasting peace to be built. So I think it’s a question of whether President Trump is prepared to put forward much tougher sanctions against Russia if it refuses to respond to the proposal he made several months ago now and which President Zelenskyy responded to in March. So this is one of the points we’ll be discussing a few days before the NATO summit. And for me, that forum is also the one in which we Europeans must re-engage with the Americans and our other Canadian and Japanese allies, whose great steadfastness and great solidarity regarding the Ukraine conflict I want to highlight here.

    On the Middle East, I believe we’re all united on one position. No one wants to see Iran acquire nuclear weapons, but everyone would like the discussions and negotiations to resume. And here too, the United States of America has a genuine ability to get everyone back round the table, given that, along with the Europeans, it’s an important protagonist in any nuclear agreement, and above all, Israel’s dependence on American weapons and ammunition gives the US an ability to negotiate. I don’t believe that Russia, which is today engaged in a high-intensity conflict and has decided not to adhere to the United Nations Charter for several years now, can be a mediator in any way. I think it’s our collective responsibility to try and re-engage as soon as possible and, first of all, prevent any escalation and get all the protagonists back around the negotiating table. (…)

    ISRAEL/IRAN/GAZA

    On Friday you emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself; you even said that France was prepared to contribute to Israel’s defence. Can you tell us if France has helped Israel in any kind of way since Friday, and if it intends to do so in the coming days? And aren’t you afraid that by backing these Israeli strikes in Iran, France is helping to encourage a scenario similar to what we’ve experienced in Gaza, i.e. a very bloody escalation?

    THE PRESIDENT – I very clearly said on Friday that France was worried about nuclear proliferation, about the IAEA’s report and Iran’s ongoing nuclear activities, and that Iran constitutes a very clear, existential threat for Israel, given what the Iranian regime is saying every day, but [also] a threat for the whole region and even us, because Iran’s activity programme, its ballistic programme and its nuclear programme are threats. But that doesn’t mean I’ve backed anything, and I also said very clearly that France didn’t take part in the operations conducted on 13 June or the following days. And I repeated that France’s position was clear and consistent.

    We believe that these issues – i.e. ballistic and nuclear proliferation – must be resolved around a negotiating table in an international framework and must then lead to monitoring ensured by the relevant international agencies. So we’re calling for all parties involved to return to discussions as soon as possible and for no escalation to be carried out. We haven’t contributed to any defensive operation since then, because haven’t been asked to, and I was able to give my opinion and talk to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Iran’s President Pezeshkian yesterday, and President Trump, and convey exactly the same messages, i.e. urge a resumption of discussions as swiftly as possible on the nuclear and ballistic issue, call for all strikes to be stopped as soon as possible, wherever they come from, and resolve the issue of collective security as soon as possible.

    Finally, I repeated on both Friday and Saturday to all the protagonists how what is happening today, and is obviously worrying us all a great deal in the region, mustn’t make us forget the situation in Gaza. The ceasefire is an imperative. The humanitarian situation is unacceptable. So we’ve absolutely got to secure a ceasefire, get all the hostages released and resume humanitarian aid in Gaza. (…)./.

    ¹M. Macron spoke in French and English.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Protecting the Northern Sea Route from Conflict and Overexploitation

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Press conference by M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic (excerpts)¹ (Nuuk, June 15, 2025)

    (Check against delivery)

    (…)

    GREENLAND

    THE PRESIDENT – Mr Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, let me first thank the Greenlandese authorities for their warm welcome. And let me thank you, Madam Prime Minister, for having organized this trip a few weeks after the State visit of your king and your queen to France. (…)

    In the current situation, Greenland has been put back at the centre of geopolitical challenges, and the Arctic’s peaceful, scientific calling is today under threat. Due to its strategic positioning within the Arctic region and its natural resources, the Kingdom of Denmark’s autonomous territory has become a coveted space and the focus of predatory ambitions. (…) I want to begin by sending a message of Europe’s solidarity and France’s support for Denmark, Greenland and the people of Greenland; a message of respect for your sovereignty and respect for your choices – choices on security, economic and social development and the sustainable management of natural resources; a message of support for your territorial integrity and for the inviolability of your borders, which are not negotiable.

    Together with its European Union partners, France will continue to uphold its principles according to the United Nations Charter. (…) In a few words, everybody thinks – in France, in the European Union – that Greenland is not to be sold, not to be taken. We had very fruitful exchanges with Mr Prime Minister and Madam Prime Minister about strategic issues in the Arctic, and obviously security and the posture of our great challengers, Russia and China, the increasing cooperation between these two powers in the region and elsewhere, and the fact that we want to clearly stand with you in order to face these challenges. And France is ready to increase its cooperation with the seven allies of the Arctic, especially in the framework of the Arctic Council and in the framework of the NB8, the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. And clearly NATO is a place where this coordination and interoperability is seriously organized. (…)

    I reminded your authorities that France is ready to do more with you in terms of security, the economy and education and to help develop concrete projects on the ground, be it hydroelectric power or other projects. I also told the two prime ministers of our proposal to open a consulate general here in Nuuk. (…) A few minutes ago we saw very clearly together the direct impact of climate change here as well. And let me tell you that, facing these challenges, we are ready as well to do much more together. The new maritime route in the new northern sea routes should be preserved, and the region should be preserved, as well, from any type of conflictuality and any type of over-exploitations by other powers. (…)

    Ten years after the Paris Agreement, we see here very clearly that we have to follow up our efforts and to do much more again, together. (…) France is indeed ready to strengthen its scientific and academic cooperation, particularly with regard to studying the long-term impact of global warming in the Arctic. (…)

    Finally, the European Union has also had a presence in Greenland for a long time. Europe is ready to support Greenland’s economic and social development, whether it concerns decarbonized energy, infrastructure, education, sustainable fisheries or critical raw materials. That’s the purpose of the strategic partnership signed in 2023 between the European Union and Greenland, which should enable us to develop sustainable value chains in the strategic raw materials sector; we’d now like to speed up the implementation of this project. (…)

    The situation in Greenland is clearly a wake-up call for all the Europeans. And let me tell you very directly that you are not alone. And when a strategic message is sent to you, I want just for you to know that it’s clearly perceived by the Europeans as targeting a European land. And this flag you have here is our common flag. And we know our common values, and we know our long-standing choices. And this is why it’s very important for French people and all the European people to convey very clearly this message of solidarity and the fact that we stand with you now, for today and for tomorrow. (…)

    Long live Greenland! Long live Denmark! Long live the friendship between Denmark and France, and long live Europe! (…)

    How will this visit to Greenland affect your conversation with Donald Trump at the G7?

    THE PRESIDENT – Look, I informed him about this trip, and I think it makes clear that the Europeans are ready to face the challenges we are and we have here, meaning climate change, economic development and strategic challenges, but at the same time it provides a message that we are ready, all of us, to take our responsibilities in a respectful and cooperative way. (…) And I’m optimistic, because I think there is a way forward in order to clearly build a better future in cooperation and not in provocation or confrontation. (…)

    G7/UKRAINE/MIDDLE EAST

    We were talking a moment ago about the G7, which gets under way in a few hours, in the middle of a war, in the middle of a conflict between Israel and Iran. What do you think the G7 countries can do? Donald Trump has said he’s open to President Putin mediating. What do you think?

    THE PRESIDENT – (…) We must talk about the two major conflicts, the Middle East and Ukraine. And for me, the G7 must aim to bring everyone back together, and therefore, for Ukraine, secure as soon as possible a ceasefire that allows a robust, lasting peace to be built. So I think it’s a question of whether President Trump is prepared to put forward much tougher sanctions against Russia if it refuses to respond to the proposal he made several months ago now and which President Zelenskyy responded to in March. So this is one of the points we’ll be discussing a few days before the NATO summit. And for me, that forum is also the one in which we Europeans must re-engage with the Americans and our other Canadian and Japanese allies, whose great steadfastness and great solidarity regarding the Ukraine conflict I want to highlight here.

    On the Middle East, I believe we’re all united on one position. No one wants to see Iran acquire nuclear weapons, but everyone would like the discussions and negotiations to resume. And here too, the United States of America has a genuine ability to get everyone back round the table, given that, along with the Europeans, it’s an important protagonist in any nuclear agreement, and above all, Israel’s dependence on American weapons and ammunition gives the US an ability to negotiate. I don’t believe that Russia, which is today engaged in a high-intensity conflict and has decided not to adhere to the United Nations Charter for several years now, can be a mediator in any way. I think it’s our collective responsibility to try and re-engage as soon as possible and, first of all, prevent any escalation and get all the protagonists back around the negotiating table. (…)

    ISRAEL/IRAN/GAZA

    On Friday you emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself; you even said that France was prepared to contribute to Israel’s defence. Can you tell us if France has helped Israel in any kind of way since Friday, and if it intends to do so in the coming days? And aren’t you afraid that by backing these Israeli strikes in Iran, France is helping to encourage a scenario similar to what we’ve experienced in Gaza, i.e. a very bloody escalation?

    THE PRESIDENT – I very clearly said on Friday that France was worried about nuclear proliferation, about the IAEA’s report and Iran’s ongoing nuclear activities, and that Iran constitutes a very clear, existential threat for Israel, given what the Iranian regime is saying every day, but [also] a threat for the whole region and even us, because Iran’s activity programme, its ballistic programme and its nuclear programme are threats. But that doesn’t mean I’ve backed anything, and I also said very clearly that France didn’t take part in the operations conducted on 13 June or the following days. And I repeated that France’s position was clear and consistent.

    We believe that these issues – i.e. ballistic and nuclear proliferation – must be resolved around a negotiating table in an international framework and must then lead to monitoring ensured by the relevant international agencies. So we’re calling for all parties involved to return to discussions as soon as possible and for no escalation to be carried out. We haven’t contributed to any defensive operation since then, because haven’t been asked to, and I was able to give my opinion and talk to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Iran’s President Pezeshkian yesterday, and President Trump, and convey exactly the same messages, i.e. urge a resumption of discussions as swiftly as possible on the nuclear and ballistic issue, call for all strikes to be stopped as soon as possible, wherever they come from, and resolve the issue of collective security as soon as possible.

    Finally, I repeated on both Friday and Saturday to all the protagonists how what is happening today, and is obviously worrying us all a great deal in the region, mustn’t make us forget the situation in Gaza. The ceasefire is an imperative. The humanitarian situation is unacceptable. So we’ve absolutely got to secure a ceasefire, get all the hostages released and resume humanitarian aid in Gaza. (…)./.

    ¹M. Macron spoke in French and English.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General attends G7 Summit, welcomes Canada’s commitment to defence spending

    Source: NATO

    The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, participated in the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Tuesday (17 June 2025). The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.

    Speaking alongside Prime Minister Carney, Mr Rutte welcomed Canada’s decision to meet NATO’s defence investment target this year. “The fact that you decided to bring Canada to the 2% spending when it comes to NATO this year is really fantastic,” he said. He noted that, together with Portugal’s recent announcement to reach 2% of GDP this year, all NATO Allies will meet the benchmark in 2025. “That is really great news,” the Secretary General said.

    In addition to discussions with G7 leaders, Secretary General Rutte held a number of bilateral meetings ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, including with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General attends G7 Summit, welcomes Canada’s commitment to defence spending

    Source: NATO

    The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, participated in the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Tuesday (17 June 2025). The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.

    Speaking alongside Prime Minister Carney, Mr Rutte welcomed Canada’s decision to meet NATO’s defence investment target this year. “The fact that you decided to bring Canada to the 2% spending when it comes to NATO this year is really fantastic,” he said. He noted that, together with Portugal’s recent announcement to reach 2% of GDP this year, all NATO Allies will meet the benchmark in 2025. “That is really great news,” the Secretary General said.

    In addition to discussions with G7 leaders, Secretary General Rutte held a number of bilateral meetings ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, including with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Plains All American Executes Definitive Agreements for $3.75 Billion Sale of NGL Business to Keyera

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (Nasdaq: PAA) and Plains GP Holdings (Nasdaq: PAGP) (collectively, “Plains”) announced today that it has executed definitive agreements with Keyera Corp. (TSX: KEY) (“Keyera”) pursuant to which Plains will sell substantially all of its NGL business to Keyera for a total cash consideration of approximately $5.15 Billion CAD ($3.75 Billion USD).

    The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. As a result of the transaction, Plains will divest its Canadian NGL business but will retain substantially all NGL assets in the United States and will also retain all crude oil assets in Canada.

    Transaction Benefits

    • Results in premier midstream crude oil “pure play”: Positioned to drive efficient growth and streamlining opportunities
    • More durable cash flow stream: Reduces commodity related EBITDA contribution, seasonality and working capital requirements
    • Attractive valuation: Purchase price represents approximately 13x expected 2025 Distributable Cash Flow (DCF)
    • Enhances free cash flow profile: Pro-forma business expected to generate higher percentage of “excess cash flow” with disproportionately lower capital investments and taxes
    • Provides significant financial flexibility: Creates optionality to redeploy capital and execute existing capital allocation framework in a disciplined manner

    Capital Allocation
    Proceeds from the transaction are expected to be approximately $3.0 Billion USD net after: 1) taxes 2) transaction expenses and 3) a potential one-time special distribution. The estimated ~$0.35/unit special distribution is intended to offset potential individual tax liabilities associated with the transaction and is subject to Board approval, ultimate tax implications, and successful closing of the transaction.

    Plains expects to continue executing on its long-term capital allocation framework. Proceeds from the transaction will be prioritized toward:

    • Disciplined bolt-on M&A to extend and expand the crude oil focused portfolio
    • Capital structure optimization including potential repurchases of Series A & Series B Preferred units
    • Opportunistic common unit repurchases

    “Today’s announcement is a win-win transaction for both Plains and Keyera. Plains is exiting the Canadian NGL business at an attractive valuation while Keyera is receiving highly complementary and critical infrastructure in a strategic market,” said Willie Chiang, Chairman and CEO. “Successful completion of this transformative transaction advances our efficient growth strategy and establishes Plains as the premier pure play crude oil midstream entity with highly strategic assets linking North American supply to key demand centers. Importantly, the transaction enhances our free cash flow profile and reduces both commodity exposure and working capital requirements into the future. Post-closing our financial framework should be enhanced, with leverage at or below the low-end of our target range, providing significant financial flexibility and allowing us to continue optimizing our crude oil focused asset base in a disciplined manner while increasing return of capital to our unitholders.”

    Tax Considerations
    Closing of this transaction is a taxable event that is expected to result in a flow through of taxable income to the holders of PAA common units and impact the taxability of distributions to the holders of PAGP Class A shares.

    The tax impact on each holder of PAA common units will vary based on their specific tax circumstances, including their individual ownership, previous passive loss limitations where applicable, tax basis and their holding period.

    We currently estimate that PAA will incur approximately $360 million USD of entity-level taxes payable in Canada associated with the sale of the NGL business and the restructuring of our remaining Canadian crude assets. This is expected to generate a foreign tax credit for PAA common unitholders at close of the transaction that, along with utilization of passive activity loss carry forwards, if any, will offset a significant portion of (and in some cases all of) the taxable gain passed through to individual unitholders.

    The transaction is anticipated to generate current year earnings and profits for PAGP Class A shareholders and thus PAGP distributions in the tax year in which the transaction closes are expected to be taxed as a dividend versus a return of capital, but the transaction is not estimated to result in a material change in the previous forecast for when routine PAGP distributions shift from being a return of capital to being taxed as dividends or when PAGP will become a taxpaying entity.

    The tax impacts associated with closing this transaction may be reduced by unrelated acquisitions or investments that also occur in the same tax period this transaction closes, subject to the tax laws in effect at such time.

    In an effort to offset a significant portion of the anticipated tax impacts associated with the transaction, on or after closing, management intends to recommend to the Plains Board that it approve a one-time special distribution currently estimated to be approximately $0.35 per unit to holders of PAA common units and PAGP Class A shares (Note: the ultimate estimated tax obligation of unitholders may alter the special distribution payment, if any).

    Holders of PAA common units and/or PAGP Class A shares should consult with their own tax advisors to evaluate the tax implications to them for any units or shares owned as of the closing date.

    Additionally, as a result of the restructuring of our Canadian crude assets, we do not anticipate that Plains will be required to pay any meaningful Canadian corporate taxes for the next several years following the closing of the transaction.

    Other Transaction Details
    As of June 30, 2025, Plains will re-classify the NGL assets associated with the transaction as discontinued operations.

    Additional information regarding the transaction can be found in a presentation posted to the Plains Investor Relations website at ir.plains.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release consist of forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction with Keyera and the terms, timing and anticipated operational, financial and strategic benefits thereof. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from results or outcomes anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: changes in or disruptions to economic, market or business conditions; substantial declines in commodity prices or demand for crude oil and NGL; third-party constraints; legal constraints (including the impact of governmental regulations, orders or policies); fluctuations in the currency exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the United States dollar; unforeseen delays with respect to the receipt of regulatory approvals and completion of other closing conditions; and other factors and uncertainties inherent in transactions of the type discussed herein or in our business as discussed in PAA’s and PAGP’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    About Plains
    PAA is a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and provides logistics services for crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL). PAA owns an extensive network of pipeline gathering and transportation systems, in addition to terminalling, storage, processing, fractionation and other infrastructure assets serving key producing basins, transportation corridors and major market hubs and export outlets in the United States and Canada. On average, PAA handles approximately eight million barrels per day of crude oil and NGL. 

    PAGP is a publicly traded entity that owns an indirect, non-economic controlling general partner interest in PAA and an indirect limited partner interest in PAA, one of the largest energy infrastructure and logistics companies in North America. 

    PAA and PAGP are headquartered in Houston, Texas. More information is available at www.plains.com.

    Investor Relations Contacts:
    Blake Fernandez
    Michael Gladstein
    PlainsIR@plains.com
    (866) 809-1291

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Plains All American Executes Definitive Agreements for $3.75 Billion Sale of NGL Business to Keyera

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (Nasdaq: PAA) and Plains GP Holdings (Nasdaq: PAGP) (collectively, “Plains”) announced today that it has executed definitive agreements with Keyera Corp. (TSX: KEY) (“Keyera”) pursuant to which Plains will sell substantially all of its NGL business to Keyera for a total cash consideration of approximately $5.15 Billion CAD ($3.75 Billion USD).

    The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. As a result of the transaction, Plains will divest its Canadian NGL business but will retain substantially all NGL assets in the United States and will also retain all crude oil assets in Canada.

    Transaction Benefits

    • Results in premier midstream crude oil “pure play”: Positioned to drive efficient growth and streamlining opportunities
    • More durable cash flow stream: Reduces commodity related EBITDA contribution, seasonality and working capital requirements
    • Attractive valuation: Purchase price represents approximately 13x expected 2025 Distributable Cash Flow (DCF)
    • Enhances free cash flow profile: Pro-forma business expected to generate higher percentage of “excess cash flow” with disproportionately lower capital investments and taxes
    • Provides significant financial flexibility: Creates optionality to redeploy capital and execute existing capital allocation framework in a disciplined manner

    Capital Allocation
    Proceeds from the transaction are expected to be approximately $3.0 Billion USD net after: 1) taxes 2) transaction expenses and 3) a potential one-time special distribution. The estimated ~$0.35/unit special distribution is intended to offset potential individual tax liabilities associated with the transaction and is subject to Board approval, ultimate tax implications, and successful closing of the transaction.

    Plains expects to continue executing on its long-term capital allocation framework. Proceeds from the transaction will be prioritized toward:

    • Disciplined bolt-on M&A to extend and expand the crude oil focused portfolio
    • Capital structure optimization including potential repurchases of Series A & Series B Preferred units
    • Opportunistic common unit repurchases

    “Today’s announcement is a win-win transaction for both Plains and Keyera. Plains is exiting the Canadian NGL business at an attractive valuation while Keyera is receiving highly complementary and critical infrastructure in a strategic market,” said Willie Chiang, Chairman and CEO. “Successful completion of this transformative transaction advances our efficient growth strategy and establishes Plains as the premier pure play crude oil midstream entity with highly strategic assets linking North American supply to key demand centers. Importantly, the transaction enhances our free cash flow profile and reduces both commodity exposure and working capital requirements into the future. Post-closing our financial framework should be enhanced, with leverage at or below the low-end of our target range, providing significant financial flexibility and allowing us to continue optimizing our crude oil focused asset base in a disciplined manner while increasing return of capital to our unitholders.”

    Tax Considerations
    Closing of this transaction is a taxable event that is expected to result in a flow through of taxable income to the holders of PAA common units and impact the taxability of distributions to the holders of PAGP Class A shares.

    The tax impact on each holder of PAA common units will vary based on their specific tax circumstances, including their individual ownership, previous passive loss limitations where applicable, tax basis and their holding period.

    We currently estimate that PAA will incur approximately $360 million USD of entity-level taxes payable in Canada associated with the sale of the NGL business and the restructuring of our remaining Canadian crude assets. This is expected to generate a foreign tax credit for PAA common unitholders at close of the transaction that, along with utilization of passive activity loss carry forwards, if any, will offset a significant portion of (and in some cases all of) the taxable gain passed through to individual unitholders.

    The transaction is anticipated to generate current year earnings and profits for PAGP Class A shareholders and thus PAGP distributions in the tax year in which the transaction closes are expected to be taxed as a dividend versus a return of capital, but the transaction is not estimated to result in a material change in the previous forecast for when routine PAGP distributions shift from being a return of capital to being taxed as dividends or when PAGP will become a taxpaying entity.

    The tax impacts associated with closing this transaction may be reduced by unrelated acquisitions or investments that also occur in the same tax period this transaction closes, subject to the tax laws in effect at such time.

    In an effort to offset a significant portion of the anticipated tax impacts associated with the transaction, on or after closing, management intends to recommend to the Plains Board that it approve a one-time special distribution currently estimated to be approximately $0.35 per unit to holders of PAA common units and PAGP Class A shares (Note: the ultimate estimated tax obligation of unitholders may alter the special distribution payment, if any).

    Holders of PAA common units and/or PAGP Class A shares should consult with their own tax advisors to evaluate the tax implications to them for any units or shares owned as of the closing date.

    Additionally, as a result of the restructuring of our Canadian crude assets, we do not anticipate that Plains will be required to pay any meaningful Canadian corporate taxes for the next several years following the closing of the transaction.

    Other Transaction Details
    As of June 30, 2025, Plains will re-classify the NGL assets associated with the transaction as discontinued operations.

    Additional information regarding the transaction can be found in a presentation posted to the Plains Investor Relations website at ir.plains.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release consist of forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction with Keyera and the terms, timing and anticipated operational, financial and strategic benefits thereof. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from results or outcomes anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: changes in or disruptions to economic, market or business conditions; substantial declines in commodity prices or demand for crude oil and NGL; third-party constraints; legal constraints (including the impact of governmental regulations, orders or policies); fluctuations in the currency exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the United States dollar; unforeseen delays with respect to the receipt of regulatory approvals and completion of other closing conditions; and other factors and uncertainties inherent in transactions of the type discussed herein or in our business as discussed in PAA’s and PAGP’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    About Plains
    PAA is a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and provides logistics services for crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL). PAA owns an extensive network of pipeline gathering and transportation systems, in addition to terminalling, storage, processing, fractionation and other infrastructure assets serving key producing basins, transportation corridors and major market hubs and export outlets in the United States and Canada. On average, PAA handles approximately eight million barrels per day of crude oil and NGL. 

    PAGP is a publicly traded entity that owns an indirect, non-economic controlling general partner interest in PAA and an indirect limited partner interest in PAA, one of the largest energy infrastructure and logistics companies in North America. 

    PAA and PAGP are headquartered in Houston, Texas. More information is available at www.plains.com.

    Investor Relations Contacts:
    Blake Fernandez
    Michael Gladstein
    PlainsIR@plains.com
    (866) 809-1291

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Kananaskis Common Vision for the Future of Quantum Technologies

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize that quantum technologies – which include computing, sensing and communications – have the potential to bring significant and transformative benefits to societies worldwide. Significant R&D breakthroughs over the past decade mean that these technologies are now poised to create economic and social benefits in sectors such as finance, communication, transport, energy, health and agriculture while addressing global challenges. They could also have far-reaching implications for national and international security, as they enable new defence capabilities and threaten current data protection systems. 

    We acknowledge that achieving quantum technologies’ full potential will require international collaboration between governments, researchers and industry to mobilize investments and optimize resources; advance research and commercialization; secure supply chains; facilitate access to infrastructure, talent and markets; align adoption with shared interests and values; and create a trusted ecosystem to manage risks and unleash innovation. 

    To this end, we commit to: 

    1. Promote public and private investment in quantum science and technology R&D, responsible innovation and commercialization; and support partnerships between researchers, industry and other stakeholders to accelerate commercialization and attract private investment.
    2. Promote the development and adoption of beneficial applications of quantum technologies in a variety of sectors, including those developed by small and medium sized enterprises.
    3. Support opportunities for all stakeholders to meaningfully participate as creators, stakeholders, leaders and decision-makers at all stages of the research, development and implementation of quantum technologies.
    4. Support initiatives, exchange best practices and promote workforce development policies for all, including women as well as communities left behind by globalization, to equip individuals with the skills needed for new jobs in the quantum sector. These include apprenticeships; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and computer science education; and mentorship.
    5. Support an open and fair market environment and trusted ecosystem among like-minded partners through measures such as international exchanges between academia and industry, preventing the leakage of sensitive technologies, protecting intellectual property rights, and promoting greater interoperability.
    6. Promote trust in quantum technologies through public and international dialogues, based on scientific expertise and aligned with democratic values, freedom and fundamental rights, recognizing that, at this early stage of innovation, a global regulatory framework is not yet appropriate.
    7. Increase understanding of risks associated with quantum technologies across different sectors; secure quantum supply chains; ensure the security and integrity of research; and promote the timely adoption of quantum-resilient security measures and solutions for protecting data and communications networks.
    8. Intensify collaboration between trusted national measurement institutes, including via the NMI-Q initiative, to drive forward essential measurement and testing work amongst likeminded partners.
    9. Collaborate through a G7 Joint Working Group on Quantum Technologies, with industry, experts and academia to inform cooperation on research, development and commercialization including through voluntary joint calls for projects between different members; advance policy dialogues on approaches to innovation and adoption; and assess the potential societal impacts of these technologies as they progress towards commercial and defense applications. 

    In this International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, we will work together and with likeminded partners to make concrete progress on this agenda.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Leaders’ Statement on Countering Migrant Smuggling

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, reaffirm our commitment to prevent and counter migrant smuggling through the G7 Coalition to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants and the 2024 G7 Action Plan to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants. We are determined to enhance border management and enforcement and dismantle the transnational organized crime groups profiting from both migrant smuggling and human trafficking.

    Migrant smuggling often has links to other serious criminal offences, including money laundering, corruption and trafficking in persons and drugs, that threaten the safety of our communities. It can expose vulnerable smuggled persons to grave and life-threatening risks, including physical abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, extortion, labour exploitation, and forced labour and criminality. 

    Through the G7 Coalition, we have made concrete progress on strengthening the operational and investigative capacities of our law enforcement agencies in the fight against migrant smuggling; and enhancing international cooperation between police, judicial, prosecution and border services.

    We task our Interior and Security Ministers to double down on the following areas of the G7 Action Plan this year: 

    • Adopt a “follow the money” approach, exploring innovative solutions that leverage financial intelligence and information-sharing to identify criminal actors; use administrative or judicial processes to hold these criminal actors accountable, seize their assets and strip them of their profits;
    • Boost prevention with countries of origin and transit through strengthening border management capacities and by raising awareness of the risks;
    • Collaborate with social media companies to agree on voluntary principles to prevent organized crime groups from exploiting online platforms to advertise, coordinate, and facilitate migrant smuggling operations;
    • Engage with transport operators to prevent the facilitation of irregular migration, including the weaponization of migrants to undermine stability or as a hybrid warfare tactic.

    We will explore, consistent with our legal systems, the potential use of sanctions to target criminals involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking operations from countries where those activities emanate.

    We will continue to leverage synergies with other global and regional initiatives aimed at fostering international cooperation.

    We support the continuation of policies for legal migration that members assess to be in their respective national interests. As we work to prevent migrant smuggling and human trafficking, we remain committed to countering all forms of abuse and exploitation of migrants, ensuring protection of the most vulnerable, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons. In so doing, we will meet our respective international human rights commitments. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Leaders’ Statement on Transnational Repression

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, are deeply concerned by growing reports of transnational repression (TNR). TNR is an aggressive form of foreign interference whereby states or their proxies attempt to intimidate, harass, harm or coerce individuals or communities outside their borders. 

    TNR undermines national security, state sovereignty, the safety and human rights of victims, and principles of international law. It has a chilling effect in our countries. TNR often impacts dissidents, journalists, human rights defenders, religious minorities, and those identified as part of diaspora communities.

    We condemn all acts of TNR including but not limited to those involving: 

    • Threats or acts of physical violence such as harassment, assault, abduction or assassination;
    • Misuse of cooperation with other foreign states, international bodies and intergovernmental organizations, in order to detain, forcibly return, or repress targets, such as leveraging extraterritorial law application and counterterrorism and investigative tools;
    • Forced return by confiscating passports, invalidating documents, or denying consular services;
    • Digital transnational repression, such as doxing and sexualized smear campaigns particularly targeting women, to induce compliance, silence, threaten, discredit, or retaliate;
    • Misuse of spyware and cyber tools to engage in surveillance, and to enable physical targeting and tracking, hacking, or cyber harassment; and
    • Direct or implicit threats against family members. 

    We also remain seized of threats by foreign states and their proxies to our citizens outside our borders, such as arbitrary detention.

    We recognize the important role played by all partners, including civil society, academia and the private sector, in countering this threat. We welcome the recommendations for action emanating from the G7 multistakeholder Dialogue on Transnational Repression, hosted in Ottawa in February 2025, to develop concrete strategies for protecting those who are targeted.

    Building on the 2018 Charlevoix commitment on defending democracy from foreign threats, and these recommendations, we, the Leaders of the G7, commit to foster a common understanding of TNR, raise awareness, and promote accountability to increase the costs for those who engage in acts of TNR. As part of these efforts, we intend to: 

    • Build global understanding of the threat and its corrosive impact, including on human rights and democracy; this includes reporting on TNR as an important vector of foreign interference in G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) public reports, and strengthening engagement with likeminded partners and engaging more broadly in relevant multilateral fora.
    • Develop a TNR Resilience and Response Framework that includes: measures to boost G7 cooperation to counter TNR; a compendium of operational, diplomatic, policy, legislative, and community engagement best practices; and information sharing around the latest techniques, trends and vectors of TNR observed globally, drawing on wider initiatives such as the Pall Mall process related to cyber intrusion capabilities.
    • Launch a Digital TNR Detection Academy through the G7 RRM to build collective capacity to detect TNR online; the Academy will provide G7 and partners with the technical skills and tools for identifying and responding to the latest technology-enabled threats.
    • Support those who may be targets of TNR as well as members of civil society who are actively working to counter the threat, including through initiatives like the Canada-UK Common Good Cyber Fund, and by acting in solidarity with other states affected by TNR.  

    We will redouble our efforts to keep our communities safe, to defend human rights, including the freedom of expression online and offline, and to safeguard our sovereignty.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Kananaskis Wildfire Charter

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, are deeply concerned that the world has experienced record-breaking wildfires across every forested continent over the past decade, often overwhelming available national resources and requiring governments to request assistance from other countries. These increasingly extreme wildfires are endangering lives, affecting human health, destroying homes and ecosystems, and costing governments and taxpayers billions of dollars each year.

    We resolve to boost global cooperation to prevent, fight and recover from wildfires by taking integrated action to reduce the incidence and negative impacts of wildfires and ensure our readiness to help each other, and partners, when needed.

    We will take steps to prevent and mitigate the occurrence of wildfires by:

    • Adopting a whole of society approach, including different levels of government, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, international and non-governmental organizations, academia, and the private sector, to share knowledge and drive research on reducing risks.
    • Implementing mitigation and adaptation actions, grounded in scientific research and local knowledge, that reduce the risk of extreme wildfires, such as sustainable forest management, nature-based solutions, Indigenous land management practices including cultural or controlled burning, and adopting fire risk reduction measures around communities, buildings, and infrastructure.
    • Raising awareness of the different causes of wildfires and measures to prevent them, including to reduce the number of wildfires started accidentally or maliciously.

    We will strengthen global capacity to prepare for and respond to wildfires when they happen by:

    • Leveraging research, tools and technology that forecast, identify, and monitor wildfires, such as fire danger rating systems, geospatial technologies, and systems to provide early warnings when wildfire moves towards inhabited areas or infrastructure.
    • Collaborating on data collection and information sharing to better understand and respond to wildfires and their impacts, including on different population groups.
    • Building our shared capacity to mitigate and respond to the impacts of wildfire exposure on human health and well-being.
    • Enhancing interoperability, through sharing best practices and where relevant, developing common protocols, capabilities, and procedures related to wildfire response, including on training.
    • Exploring ways to improve timely access to basic firefighting equipment and capabilities that help meet country-specific needs.

    We will rebuild for resilience to recover from wildfires by:

    • Identifying areas for active restoration efforts versus those where natural regeneration works best, taking actions that support biological diversity and restore nature and deploying nature-based solutions to strengthen resilience and reduce risks.
    • Rebuilding with wildfire-resilient infrastructure, including strengthening the wildland-urban interface through resilient urban design, landscape, and infrastructure planning.
    • Encouraging research to better understand local conditions to support and scale-up ecological restoration, finding best methods for sustainable forest management to help prevent and mitigate wildfires, including in rapidly shifting conditions, and using community-based, whole of society approaches that incorporate local and, where opportunities exist, Indigenous practices, and increased participation by women.

    We will seek synergies with work underway at the G20. Interested signatories will also work through forums like the United Nations Global Fire Management Hub. We will align with commitments to halt and reverse deforestation and forest and land degradation by 2030 globally.

    Together, we will achieve a stronger and more coordinated global approach to wildfire resilience.

    We welcome the endorsement of the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter by the Leaders of Australia, India, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, and South Africa.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize that critical minerals are the building blocks of digital and energy secure economies of the future. We remain committed to transparency, diversification, security, sustainable mining practices, trustworthiness and reliability as essential principles for resilient critical minerals supply chains, and acknowledge the importance of traceability, trade, and decent work in contributing to our economic prosperity and that of our partners.

    We have shared national and economic security interests, which depend on access to resilient critical minerals supply chains governed by market principles. We recognize that non-market policies and practices in the critical minerals sector threaten our ability to acquire many critical minerals, including the rare earth elements needed for magnets, that are vital for industrial production. Recognizing this threat to our economies, as well as various other risks to the resilience of our critical minerals supply chains, we will work together and with partners beyond the G7 to swiftly protect our economic and national security. This will include anticipating critical minerals shortages, coordinating responses to deliberate market disruption, and diversifying and onshoring, where possible, mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling.

    We are launching a G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, building on the Five-Point Plan for Critical Minerals Security established during Japan’s G7 Presidency in 2023 and advanced by Italy in 2024. The Action Plan will focus on diversifying the responsible production and supply of critical minerals, encouraging investments in critical mineral projects and local value creation, and promoting innovation.

    We are committed to action in the following areas:

    Building standards-based markets 

    We recognize that critical minerals markets should reflect the real costs of responsible extraction, processing, and trade of critical minerals, while ensuring labour standards, local consultation, anti-bribery and corruption measures and addressing negative externalities, including pollution and land degradation.

    We will develop a roadmap to promote standards-based markets for critical minerals, in collaboration with industry, international organizations, resource producing nations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, unions, and civil society. The roadmap will establish a set of criteria that constitute a minimum threshold for standards-based markets, strengthening traceability as a necessary measure. As part of these efforts, we will evaluate potential market impacts.

    We task relevant ministers to produce this roadmap, setting out milestones to be met in fulfilling this commitment, before the end of the year. 

    Mobilizing capital and investing in partnerships 

    We recognize the need to work together to increase investment in responsible critical minerals projects within the G7 and around the world. Immediate and scaled investment is required to secure future supply chains and ensure promising mining and processing projects overcome barriers such as delays in permitting and approvals processes, market manipulation, and price volatility. 

    Critical minerals are an opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships and drive economic development, innovation and shared prosperity. We will continue to work with emerging market and developing country partners to develop quality infrastructure, such as economic corridors. We will address investment barriers and support policy and regulatory reforms that improve the investment climate of our partners and empower entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries, including through the G20 Compact with Africa. Our approach will support local economic growth, build community trust, and reduce investment risks, creating the necessary conditions to attract responsible private capital. 

    We will continue to support the development of responsible critical minerals projects through direct partnerships with each other and by promoting private sector investment. We encourage our export credit agencies and development finance institutions (DFIs) to identify more opportunities for collaboration. We also welcome the work of the G7 DFIs to enhance coordination on critical minerals projects as an important step.

    To build on this momentum, we encourage multilateral development banks, as well as private sector lenders, to make further capital available for investment in standards-based critical minerals projects, including through innovative financing. We also encourage them to leverage existing financing mechanisms to de-risk projects, maximize and mobilize private capital, and increase the resilience and security of global critical minerals supply chains. 

    We are committed to deepening our cooperation with mineral-rich emerging market and developing country partners. We will help build their capacity; foster local value creation; create opportunities for all; promote responsible mining practices; combat gender-based violence in the mining industry; support the improvement of artisanal mining; and diversify global critical minerals value chains. 

    In this spirit, to promote responsible mining-related activities in emerging mining nations, we welcome the G7 Finance Ministers commitment to strengthen the World Bank-led Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement (RISE) Partnership. Interested G7 members will also support initiatives such as the Minerals Security Partnership and its MSP Forum, and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development.

    Recalling our commitment to promote debt sustainability and transparency, we acknowledge the challenges faced by developing countries with mounting debt levels, including to finance infrastructure. We will promote debt sustainability through transparent and fair development finance, and we will support countries facing debt challenges including near-term liquidity challenges. We call on all international providers of finance to do the same. This includes working within the G20 to improve the implementation of the Common Framework.

    Promoting innovation

    We have rich public and private innovation ecosystems with untapped potential to address strategic technology and processing gaps essential to bringing critical minerals to market. 

    We will intensify our collaboration to fill targeted innovation gaps in critical minerals research and development, with a focus on processing, licensing, recycling, substitution and redesign, and circular economy. We will work with partner organizations to showcase new technologies and production processes.

    We look forward to the upcoming Conference on Critical Materials and Minerals, to be chaired by the United States in Chicago, in September 2025, in order to advance this work. 

    We welcome the endorsement of the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan by the Leaders of Australia, India, and the Republic of Korea. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Leaders’ Statement on AI for Prosperity

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize the potential of a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence (AI) to grow prosperity, benefit societies and address pressing global challenges. To realize this potential, we must better drive innovation and adoption of secure, responsible, and trustworthy AI that benefits people, mitigates negative externalities, and promotes our national security. We will power AI now and into the future. And we will work with emerging market and developing country partners to close digital divides, in line with the United Nations Global Digital Compact. 

    We must seize the potential of AI in our public sectors to drive efficiency and better serve our publics. We also recognize that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including microenterprises, are the backbone of our economies, driving growth and creating jobs. In 2024, we committed to work together to help SMEs adopt and develop new technologies, including AI, to accelerate broad-based growth. We also committed to fully leverage the potential of AI to enable decent work while addressing challenges for our labour markets. We reiterate the importance of operationalizing Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) through trustworthy, cross-border data flows, and affirm its value in enabling trusted AI development and use. We recognized the transformative impact of AI for the cultural and creative sectors, including challenges to business models and job security, and opportunities to boost innovation. 

    We recognize that increased AI adoption will place growing pressure on our energy grids, produce negative externalities and have implications for energy security, resilience and affordability. At the same time, AI can be harnessed to promote energy innovation and bolster the resilience and reliability of our energy systems. 

    We hear the concerns of emerging market and developing country partners about the challenges they face in building resilient AI ecosystems, including the risks of disruption and exclusion from today’s technological revolution. 

    To fully realize the potential of AI for our publics and our partners, we commit to: 

    Work together to accelerate adoption of AI in the public sector to enhance the quality of public services for both citizens and businesses and increase government efficiency while respecting human rights and privacy, as well as promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability. 

    • To this end, Canada as G7 presidency is launching the G7 GovAI Grand Challenge and will host a series of “Rapid Solution Labs” to develop innovative and scalable solutions to the barriers we face in adopting AI in the public sector.
    • We will leverage our existing government AI expertise to establish a G7 AI Network (GAIN) to advance the Grand Challenge; develop a roadmap to scale successful AI projects; and create a catalogue of open-source and shareable AI solutions for members. GAIN will collaborate to ensure that AI solutions in government have measurable and real benefits for our communities.
    • We task relevant Ministers to explore strategic investments for accelerating public sector AI adoption in transformative ways, including for large language models and digital infrastructure. 

    Promote economic prosperity by supporting SMEs to adopt and develop AI that respects personal data and intellectual property rights, and strengthen their readiness, efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. 

    • We launch the G7 AI Adoption Roadmap, which provides clear, actionable pathways for companies to adopt AI and scale their businesses. Through this Roadmap, we commit to: sustain investments in AI adoption programs for SMEs, including supporting access to compute and digital infrastructure; publish a common blueprint for AI adoption by SMEs underpinned by proven use-cases from G7 economies; deepen our cooperation on talent exchange to integrate AI skills within businesses looking to scale; and develop tools that grow business and consumer confidence and trust in AI adoption including by leveraging the outcomes of the Hiroshima AI Process. We will collaborate with international partners, like the Global Partnership on AI, to advance this work.
    • We will build resilient future workforces by preparing workers for AI-driven transitions. To do so, we will advance implementation of the 2024 G7 Action Plan for a human-centered adoption of safe, secure and trustworthy AI in the world of work, including by developing a voluntary compendium of best practices.
    • We will drive economic growth, address talent shortages, and ensure equal opportunity, by encouraging girls, as well as members of communities left behind by globalization, to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and increasing women’s representation in the AI talent pool at all levels. 

    Meet the energy challenges of AI and harness its potential for advancements in energy efficiency and innovation. 

    • We will cooperate on innovative solutions to address energy challenges across our economies, including for AI and data centres, that support our respective national and international commitments. We will also support innovation that improves the energy and resource efficiency of AI models and optimizes data centre operations. We will advance AI solutions to unlock energy innovation and breakthrough discoveries, including optimization of energy use, and adopt AI to help build secure, resilient, and affordable energy systems and supply chains. We will strive to identify solutions that mitigate negative externalities and generate benefits for people and preserve our natural resources. We will cooperate on knowledge-building and sharing with trusted international partners and promote AI skills and talent development in the energy sector.
    • We task relevant Ministers to advance these commitments by delivering a workplan on AI and energy, before the end of this year, including working with international and industry partners to provide ongoing data analysis.

    Expand mutually beneficial partnerships with emerging markets and developing country partners to increase access to AI for everyone. 

    • We will harness trusted and secure AI technology to promote growth and enable partners to tackle the unique challenges they face. To do this, we will leverage our combined expertise, resources and networks to bridge gaps in AI infrastructure and capacity, invest in locally led AI-enabled innovations, and voluntarily collaborate with local universities to share knowledge and access to AI on mutually agreed terms.
    • We will deliver this by aligning our efforts through initiatives including AI for Development, AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Current AI, FAIR Forward, Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, AI for Public Good, and others. Interested G7 members plan to strengthen the AI for Development Funders Collaborative. 

    ANNEX: G7 AI ADOPTION ROADMAP 

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize the promise of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to unlock competitiveness and deliver unprecedented prosperity for the firms, organizations and countries that integrate them into their business processes. We seek to further promote secure, responsible, and trustworthy AI that benefits people, mitigates negative externalities, and promotes our national security. We will do this through advanced AI research, world-class commercial applications, and deep business and policy expertise. We plan to create the conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including micro-enterprises—the engine of our economies— to access, understand, and adopt AI in ways that drive value and productivity. 

    This roadmap outlines our shared vision and practical steps to help our SMEs move from uncertainty to opportunity—to shift from being AI-aware to being AI-powered. Building on the 2024 Italian Presidency’s report on Driving factors and challenges of AI Adoption and Development among companies, especially micro and small enterprises, we commit to: 

    Accelerate AI Readiness and Competitiveness 

    We intend to double down on AI adoption efforts that connect research to practical applications, helping businesses—especially SMEs—integrate AI technologies that drive productivity, growth and competitiveness. We recognize the need to respect intellectual property rights in enabling these efforts. While we have already taken steps to promote AI adoption, scaling these efforts remains essential, including access to computing resources, expertise, and partnerships to move from AI experimentation to impact. We intend to promote AI adoption programs that, in particular, focus on: 

    • Commercialization support for SMEs and startups, including access to advanced computing infrastructure connectivity and computing resources, facilitating effective use of open and closed source AI models, business mentorship, and targeted support to bridge the gap between academic breakthroughs and industry implementation in order to bring AI-enabled products and services to market;
    • Cross-sector collaboration to facilitate adoption, connecting businesses with AI solutions providers, national AI research institutes, academia, innovation hubs, and clusters to accelerate deployment of AI across the economy;
    • Practical use case development, including easy to implement and existing solutions, showcasing successful applications of AI across sectors and by SMEs to demonstrate return on investment and stimulate wider industry demand; and
    • AI literacy and skills development, ensuring businesses—especially SMEs—have access to the tools and skilled workforce needed to adopt AI confidently and effectively. 

    Develop an AI Adoption Blueprint 

    We intend to deliver an AI Adoption Blueprint that equips governments and businesses with practical tools, evidence-based policy options, and real-world examples to accelerate SME AI integration. This will be a solutions-focused resource, informed by expert-driven, collaborative research activities and workshops, in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and drawing on empirical G7 AI trends, adoption initiatives, and frontline SME experiences. The Blueprint will: 

    • Present actionable policy recommendations that governments can choose to implement to lower barriers and build enabling ecosystems for SME AI adoption; and
    • Provide case studies of successful AI integration, offering concrete examples that businesses across sectors and countries can choose to replicate. 

    Expand G7 Talent Exchanges 

    We intend to expand G7 cross-border talent exchanges to connect AI expertise with businesses—including SMEs—accelerating adoption and building a future-ready workforce. We expect to encourage a focus in our initiatives that matches sectoral expertise with the AI competencies needed for impactful adoption. We look to further our cooperation on talent exchange to connect emerging AI research and commercialization expertise from across our world-class talent pool with real-world business needs. To do so, we plan to: 

    • Support AI-focused talent exchanges, including with students from G7 members, specifically targeting Al adoption projects, to bridge research with practical application, developing high-level expertise in critical areas; and,
    • Connect SMEs with AI skilled workers so that they have access to AI capabilities and tools to enhance their operational efficiency and competitiveness. 

    Unlock AI opportunity through trust-building 

    We plan to build on progress achieved under the Japanese and Italian presidencies and leverage the outcomes of the Hiroshima AI Process (HAIP) to foster trust. As AI adoption accelerates, trust remains essential—especially for smaller firms deploying powerful technologies—to provide assurance to customers. We will now translate shared principles into concrete tools for SMEs, with the aim of enabling responsible AI deployment across all sectors and business sizes in a manner that fosters consumer trust and unlocks market opportunities. We will: 

    • Lead multi-stakeholder efforts to identify opportunities and challenges in deploying AI, aligned with the Hiroshima AI Process, in collaboration with SMEs, AI developers, international standards-setting organizations, and Global Partnership on AI members;
    • Publish a toolkit to identify and explain relevant resources for AI deployers; and
    • Raise awareness of the HAIP Code of Conduct Reporting Framework that the OECD is implementing. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Why Canada’s largest battery project is an energy gamechanger

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Why Canada’s largest battery project is an energy gamechanger

    “Being able to move energy from times of surplus to times of need is a real asset,” says Vittoria Bellissimo, president and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association. “What you need to run a reliable, clean, affordable electricity system is a diversified set of supply resources but also demand resources.” Read more.
    The post Why Canada’s largest battery project is an energy gamechanger appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: A new mission: helping heroes find civilian success

    [. Whether protecting the country abroad or ensuring the safety of communities at home, these individuals have made immense sacrifices in the name of duty. As their time in uniform comes to a close, Alberta’s government is committed to standing behind them – just as they have stood for us.

    Transitioning to civilian life can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding meaningful employment that reflects the skills and leadership developed through service. To help ease this transition, Alberta’s government is investing $1.2 million in Prospect Human Services’ Forces@WORK program, which provides specialized supports to help former military and public service personnel rejoin the workforce.

    “Our government is committed to ensuring that veterans and public safety personnel have the support they need to build meaningful careers beyond their service. Through this partnership, we’re honouring Alberta’s heroes by helping them transition into rewarding careers in the civilian workforce.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

    “Every Albertan deserves an opportunity to pursue meaningful employment, especially those who have served our country as public safety personnel or in the Canadian Armed Forces. This funding will make it possible for more veterans and former public safety personnel to connect with jobs that fit within their needs and contribute their success.”

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

    “As military liaison, I know the immense value of former military and public safety personnel’s unique skill sets. The strength, determination, and discipline developed in their line of work are valuable assets to any industry. This investment helps ensure those strengths are recognized and supported as they transition into meaningful civilian careers.”

    Justin Wright, Alberta government’s Military Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces

    The transition from military and public safety careers to civilian employment often involves addressing both personal and professional factors, such as physical, psychological, or emotional barriers, as well as the need to adapt highly specialized skills to new work environments. The Forces@WORK program is specifically designed to address these challenges and help participants move forward with confidence as they enter the next chapter of their careers.

    Participants receive individualized assessments and customized supports tailored to their unique experiences and goals. The program offers a range of services, including peer support, career planning, job search assistance, resume and interview preparation, on-the-job training opportunities, as well as ongoing support to help maintain long-term employment. By addressing both the practical and personal aspects of career transition, Forces@WORK helps ensure participants are able to find fulfilling work and are well-equipped for success in the civilian workforce.

    “The Forces@WORK program is life-changing, helping veterans and public safety personnel overcome physical and psychological challenges during career transitions. Forces@WORK changed my life after I medically retired following 25 years in the Canadian Army, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others through the program now. Prospect is pleased to partner with the provincial government, so that more Albertans are able to benefit from the same support I have.”

    Major (retired) David Blackburn, senior manager of program operations and director of military employment services, Prospect Human Services

    “Within OSI-CAN Alberta, a common belief amongst new participants is that their skills are not relevant for the civilian workforce. Being able to connect them to the Forces@WORK program provides them hope and reassurance. Before long, they’ve found meaning and purpose through a follow-on career, thanks to the work done by this important program.”

    Sergeant (retired) Jason Trenholm, provincial services coordinator, OSI-CAN

    Quick facts

    • The Forces@WORK: Public Safety Personnel Program helps former military and public safety personnel including corrections workers, dispatchers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and RCMP members.
    • Founded in 1980, Prospect Human Services Society helps Albertans overcome barriers to employment through skill development, job search support and career services.

    Related information

    • Supports for employees and job seekers

    Related news

    • Boosting job support for parents (May 29, 2025)
    • Helping young Albertans get jobs (May 26, 2025)
    • Investing to help Albertans get hired (April 30, 2025)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the new conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • Canadian PM Mark Carney welcomes PM Narendra Modi for G7 summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday welcomed by his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney as the Indian leader arrived for the G7 Outreach Summit.

    Confirming the meeting between Carney and PM Modi at the G7 Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on social media platform X said: “Building bridges for global progress and cooperation. PM @MarkJCarney of Canada welcomed PM @narendramodi at the #G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.”

    Earlier, PM Modi met with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa separately on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

    These interactions came just weeks after India’s Operation Sindoor, a targeted strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-oOcupied Kashmir, following the Pahalgam terror attacks on April 22.

    The MEA said, “At the Summit, the Prime Minister will exchange views with leaders of G-7 countries, other invited outreach countries and Heads of International Organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary on Monday morning to attend the G7 Summit at Kananaskis, his first visit to Canada in a decade.

    He is set to discuss various topics of development, such as energy security, technology and innovation with world leaders.

    PM Modi said he will discuss important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South.

    The Kananaskis gathering on June 16 to 17 is the Prime Minister’s sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

    Canadian PM Carney had extended an invite to PM Modi in an attempt to rebuild ties after India-Canada relations nosedived following former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations on the killing of a Khalistani terrorist.

    In the last few months, the security officials of India and Canada resumed contact and both sides were looking at the possibility of appointing new High Commissioners.

    During his nearly 24-hour stay in Canada, Prime Minister Modi will not only attend the Outreach Session of the Summit but also hold several significant bilateral meetings with various world leaders before leaving for Zagreb early Wednesday, India time.

    The three-nation visit, PM Modi had stated while leaving New Delhi, is also to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    “Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” PM Modi posted on his X handle after arriving in Canada.

    The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies — France, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada and the European Union.

    At the Summit, PM Modi will be interacting with G7 leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.

    (With IANS inputs)

  • Canadian PM Mark Carney welcomes PM Narendra Modi for G7 summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday welcomed by his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney as the Indian leader arrived for the G7 Outreach Summit.

    Confirming the meeting between Carney and PM Modi at the G7 Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on social media platform X said: “Building bridges for global progress and cooperation. PM @MarkJCarney of Canada welcomed PM @narendramodi at the #G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.”

    Earlier, PM Modi met with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa separately on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

    These interactions came just weeks after India’s Operation Sindoor, a targeted strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-oOcupied Kashmir, following the Pahalgam terror attacks on April 22.

    The MEA said, “At the Summit, the Prime Minister will exchange views with leaders of G-7 countries, other invited outreach countries and Heads of International Organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary on Monday morning to attend the G7 Summit at Kananaskis, his first visit to Canada in a decade.

    He is set to discuss various topics of development, such as energy security, technology and innovation with world leaders.

    PM Modi said he will discuss important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South.

    The Kananaskis gathering on June 16 to 17 is the Prime Minister’s sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

    Canadian PM Carney had extended an invite to PM Modi in an attempt to rebuild ties after India-Canada relations nosedived following former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations on the killing of a Khalistani terrorist.

    In the last few months, the security officials of India and Canada resumed contact and both sides were looking at the possibility of appointing new High Commissioners.

    During his nearly 24-hour stay in Canada, Prime Minister Modi will not only attend the Outreach Session of the Summit but also hold several significant bilateral meetings with various world leaders before leaving for Zagreb early Wednesday, India time.

    The three-nation visit, PM Modi had stated while leaving New Delhi, is also to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    “Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” PM Modi posted on his X handle after arriving in Canada.

    The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies — France, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada and the European Union.

    At the Summit, PM Modi will be interacting with G7 leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.

    (With IANS inputs)

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on Canadian Council of Forest Ministers chair appointment

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement on the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM):

    “This week, I met with federal, provincial and territorial forest ministers from across Canada to discuss shared priorities, challenges and emerging opportunities for Canada’s forestry sector.

    “It’s an honour to take on the role of incoming chair of the CCFM for the upcoming year. I want to thank the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Fisheries, Forests and Agriculture for Newfoundland and Labrador, for her leadership over the past year.

    “As British Columbia’s minister of forests, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of working together across jurisdictions to strengthen Canada’s forest sector in the face of persistent and new challenges. From global trade dynamics and U.S. tariffs, to ever-intensifying wildfire seasons and shifting labour markets, these challenges don’t stop at provincial or territorial boundaries, and neither can our solutions.

    “My priority will always be to put people first. Whether it’s protecting their homes from wildfire, adding more local jobs or ensuring forestry continues to be a source of pride and prosperity for our rural, remote and First Nations communities, this work must be rooted in the well-being of people. Together with my colleagues across the country, I look forward to scaling up our wildfire response, including expanded aerial firefighting capacity, and accelerating reforestation efforts, like B.C.’s commitment to planting hundreds of millions of trees.

    “The ongoing threat of U.S. softwood lumber tariffs continues to unfairly impact workers, families and communities in Canada. As the new chair, I’m committed to working with the federal government and my counterparts across Canada to push back against these unjust trade actions and advocate for a long-term deal that will ensure that B.C. and Canadian forestry businesses can compete on a level playing field. We will continue to expand our market access through trade diversification, opening new doors for Canadian wood products, advancing innovation in value-added wood manufacturing and strengthening our global competitiveness.

    “I’m grateful to my provincial and territorial colleagues for their ongoing commitment to this work, and I look forward to building on the CCFM’s legacy of collaboration as we move forward, together.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Eliminating the bureaucratic vortex in hospitals

    Since Alberta’s government announced plans to refocus the health care system in November 2023, a consistent message has emerged from patients, front-line health care workers and concerned Albertans alike about the flaws of the prior system. Alberta Health Services’ current zone-based leadership structure is overly complex and bureaucratic. It lacks the flexibility and responsiveness needed to effectively support facilities and staff – particularly when it comes to hiring, securing supplies and adopting necessary technologies.

    That’s why Alberta’s government is changing to a hospital-based leadership structure. On-site leadership teams will be responsible for hiring staff, managing resources and solving problems to effectively serve their patients and communities. Hospitals will now have the flexibility to respond, freedom to adapt and authority to act, so they can meet the needs of their facilities, patients and workforce in real time.

    “What works in Calgary or Edmonton isn’t always what works in Camrose or Peace River. That’s why we’re cutting through bureaucracy and putting real decision-making power back in the hands of local hospital leaders, so they can act fast, hire who they need and deliver better care for their communities.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    “Hospital-based leadership ensures decisions on hiring, supplies and services are made efficiently by those closest to care – strengthening acute care, supporting staff and helping patients get the timely, high-quality care they need and deserve.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services

    “By rethinking how decisions are made, we’re working to improve health care through a more balanced and practical approach. By removing delays and empowering our on-site leaders, we’re giving facilities the tools to respond to real-time needs and ultimately provide better care to Albertans.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

    AHS’ health zones will be eliminated, and acute care sites will be integrated into the seven regional corridors. These sites will operate under a new leadership model that emphasizes site-level performance management. Clear expectations will be set by Acute Care Alberta, and site operations will be managed by AHS through a hospital-based management framework. All acute care sites will be required to report to Acute Care Alberta based on these defined performance standards.

    “Standing up Acute Care Alberta has allowed AHS to shift its focus to hospital-based services. This change will enable the local leadership teams at those hospitals to make site-based decisions in real and tangible ways that are best for their patients, families and staff. Acute Care Alberta will provide oversight and monitor site-level performance, and I’m confident overall hospital performance will improve when hospital leadership and staff have more authority to do what they know is best.”

    Dr. Chris Eagle, interim CEO, Acute Care Alberta

    “AHS is focused on reducing wait times and improving care for patients. By shifting to hospital-based leadership, we’re empowering hospital leaders to make real-time decisions based on what’s happening on the ground and respond to patient needs as they arise. It also means leaders can address issues we know have been frustrating, like hiring staff where they’re needed most and advancing hospital operations. This change enables front-line teams to act on ideas they see every day to improve care.”

    Andre Tremblay, interim president & CEO, Alberta Health Services

    The Ministry of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Acute Care Alberta and Alberta Health Services will work collaboratively to design and establish the new leadership and management model with an interim model to be established by November 2025, followed by full implementation by summer 2026.

    Quick facts

    • Countries like the Netherlands and Norway, and parts of Australia have already made the shift to hospital-based leadership.
    • The interim hospital-based leadership model will be implemented at one site before being implemented provincewide.
    • Hospital-based leadership, once implemented, will apply only to AHS acute care facilities. Other acute care organizations will not be affected at the time of implementation.

    Related information

    • Hospital-based Leadership
    • Refocusing health care in Alberta

    Multimedia

    Related news

    • Ensuring a successfully refocused health system (Nov. 18, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Canada is not for sale’ — but new Ontario law prioritizes profits over environmental and Indigenous rights

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Martina Jakubchik-Paloheimo, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Environmental and Urban Change, York University, Canada

    Despite provincewide protests, Ontario’s Bill 5 officially became law on June 5. Critics warn of the loss of both environmental protections and Indigenous rights.

    The law empowers the province to create special economic zones where companies or projects don’t have to comply with provincial regulations or municipal bylaws.

    Bill 5, also known as the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, reduces the requirements for environmental assessment. By doing so, it weakens ecological protection laws that safeguard the rights of Indigenous Peoples and at-risk species.

    Indigenous rights and Indigenous knowledge are critical for planetary health. But the bill passed into law with no consultation with First Nations. Therefore, it undermines the duty to consult while seemingly favouring government-aligned industries.

    Indigenous Peoples have long stewarded the environment through sustainable practices that promote ecological and human health. Bill 5’s provisions to allow the bypassing of environmental regulations and shift from a consent-based model to one of consultation violate Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Métis lawyer Bruce McIvor has described the shift as a “policy of legalized lawlessness.”

    Compounding environmental threats

    Wildfires that are currently burning from British Columbia to northern Ontario are five times more likely to occur due to the effects of climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

    On the federal level, Bill C-5, called the Building Canada Act, was introduced in the House of Commons on June 6 by Prime Minister Mark Carney. This bill further compounds the threat to environmental protections, species at risk and Indigenous rights across the country in favour of resource extraction projects.

    It removes the need for the assessment of the environmental impacts of projects considered to be of “national interest.”

    Ring of Fire — special economic zone?

    Ford and Carney want to fast-track the so-called Ring of Fire mineral deposit within Treaty 9 territory in northern Ontario by labelling it a “special economic zone” and of “national interest.” The proposed development is often described as a potential $90 billion opportunity.

    But scientists say there are no reliable estimates of the costs related to construction, extraction, benefit sharing and environmental impacts in the Ring of Fire.

    The mining development could devastate traditional First Nations livelihoods and rights. It could also worsen the effects of climate change in Ontario’s muskeg, the southernmost sea ice ecosystem in the world.

    Northern Ontario has the largest area of intact boreal forest in the world. Almost 90 per cent of the region’s 24,000 residents are Indigenous. The Mushkegowuk Anniwuk, the original people of the Hudson Bay lowlands, refer to this area as “the Breathing Lands” — Canada’s lungs. Cree nations have lived and stewarded these lands for thousands of years.

    Journalist Jessica Gamble of Canadian National Geographic says the James Bay Lowlands, part of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, are “traditional hunting grounds” and “the largest contiguous temperate wetland complex in the world.”

    This ecosystem is home to 200 different migratory bird species and plays a critical role in environmental health through carbon sequestration and water retention. The Wildlands League has described the area as “home to hundreds of plant, mammal and fish species, most in decline elsewhere.”

    Northern Ontario, meantime, is warming at four times the global average.

    Jeronimo Kataquapit is a filmmaker from Attawapiskat who is spearheading the “Here We Stand” campaign in opposition to Bill 5 with Attawapiskat residents and neighbouring Mushkegowuk Nations and Neskantaga First Nation. As the spokesperson for Here We Stand, he said: “Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s proposed national interest legislation are going to destroy the land, pollute the water, stomp all over our treaty rights, our inherent rights, our laws and our ways of life.”

    Endangered species — polar bears

    An estimated 900 to 1,000 polar bears live in Ontario, mostly along the Hudson Bay and James Bay coasts.

    But there has been a 73 per cent decline in wildlife populations globally since the 1970s, according to the World Wildlife Fund. In Canada, species of global concern have declined by 42 per cent over the same time. Canada’s Arctic and boreal ecosystems, once symbols of the snow-capped “Great White North,” are now at risk.

    Polar bears, listed as threatened under the Ontario Endangered Species Act and of “special concern” nationally, are particularly sensitive to human activities and climate change. Polar bears and ringed seals are culturally significant and serve as ecological indicators for ecosystems.

    Melting sea ice has already altered their behaviour, forcing them to spend more time on land.

    Cree First Nations in Northern Ontario’s biodiverse Treaty 9 territory are collaborating with federal and provincial governments and conservationists to protect polar bears. Right now, there is recognition of the importance of Cree knowledge in planning and the management of polar bears.

    The new Ontario law removes safeguards protecting the province’s endangered species, such as the Endangered Species Act. It strips key protections for at-risk wildlife, such as habitat protections, environmental impact assessments and ecosystems conservation.

    Climate change and weaker environmental protections will lead to irreversible damage to our environment and biodiversity. The ecosystem services that each animal, insect and plant provides — like cleaning the air we breathe and water we drink — are essential for a healthy province.

    The impact of Bill 5 and C-5 on these species is likely to be severe.

    Short-term gains at the expense of long-term damage

    Ontario could benefit from improved infrastructure and economic growth, but development requires careful planning and collaboration. It should rely on innovative science-based solutions, especially Indigenous sciences. And it should never infringe on Indigenous rights, bypass environmental assessments or threaten endangered species.

    While Bill 5 commits to the duty to consult with First Nations, it falls short of the free, prior and informed consent required by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Since becoming Canadian law in June 2021, the federal government has been obligated to align its laws with UNDRIP.

    With Bill 5 in place, some of Ontario’s major projects may be fast-tracked with minimal safeguards. Both Bill 5 and the proposed C-5 prioritize short-term economic gains that will cause irreversible environmental damage and violate legal obligations under UNDRIP.

    Lawrence Martin, Director of Lands and Resources at the Mushkegowuk Council, contributed to this article.

    Martina Jakubchik-Paloheimo works in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) at York University as a Postdoctoral Fellow, facilitating a collaborative project on human-polar bear coexistence in Hudson Bay and James Bay.

    – ref. ‘Canada is not for sale’ — but new Ontario law prioritizes profits over environmental and Indigenous rights – https://theconversation.com/canada-is-not-for-sale-but-new-ontario-law-prioritizes-profits-over-environmental-and-indigenous-rights-258553

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • PM Modi meets Mexican President at G7 Summit, strengthens bilateral ties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a meeting with the President of Mexico, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. This marked the first interaction between the two leaders, with PM Modi extending congratulations to President Sheinbaum on her historic electoral victory.

    Expressing gratitude for Mexico’s support in India’s fight against terrorism, PM Modi emphasized the deep historical bonds of friendship between the two nations. The leaders agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, startups, innovation, science and technology, and the automotive industry. They also committed to fostering stronger people-to-people connections to enhance cultural exchanges and tourism.

    The discussions highlighted the growing trade and investment ties, with a focus on Mexico’s potential as a near-shoring hub. Opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector were a key point, with India positioned to supply affordable, high-quality medicines and pharmaceutical products. Cooperation in agriculture and holistic health was also explored.

    President Sheinbaum praised India’s advancements in technology, innovation, and digital public infrastructure, expressing keen interest in collaboration. PM Modi proposed joint efforts in emerging fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and critical minerals. The leaders also acknowledged upcoming engagements between think-tanks of both nations, which are expected to further strengthen ties.

    Both leaders exchanged perspectives on global and regional challenges, emphasizing the priorities of the Global South. PM Modi fondly recalled his 2016 visit to Mexico and extended an invitation to President Sheinbaum to visit India, signaling a commitment to furthering this partnership.

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Another area of Coquihalla Canyon Park reopens for visitors

    People can soon enjoy another area of the popular Coquihalla Canyon Park this summer with the northern portion of the park reopening on Friday, June 27, 2025, providing access to three of the five historic Othello Tunnels.

    The park is being repaired in phases due to the complexity of the restoration work. During the second phase, the new north bridge was installed, 10 new stalls were added to the parking lot, a portion of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail was resurfaced, and more slopes and rocks were stabilized in the canyon.

    The rest of the park will remain temporarily closed as work continues through summer and fall 2025. The remaining work includes redecking the south bridge and stabilizing the inside of the fifth tunnel by adding pinned mesh to part of the ceiling and walls, and sprayed concrete wherever the rock is significantly deteriorated. Loose or unstable soil, rocks and vegetation will also be removed along the canyon slopes of the last two tunnels. All work is anticipated to finish prior to the park reopening in spring 2026.

    In November 2021, heavy rain and severe flooding damaged more than 30 sites throughout the park, along with all of the Othello Tunnels, which were built in 1914. Bridge foundations were also affected, along with the stability of the canyon slopes above the tunnels, increasing the risk of falling rocks. Local access roads and trails were also eroded by flooding.

    The first phase of park reopening was in mid-July 2024 and provided access from the parking lot to the end of the second tunnel. Infrastructure is being rebuilt to better withstand the impacts of severe weather due to climate change.

    The total cost of the project is approximately $10 million and is largely supported by the Government of Canada’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program. BC Parks is working with First Nations and archeology and cultural-heritage specialists to avoid potential impacts to archeological and heritage values during construction.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Luxon heads to China, his government’s pivot toward the US is a stumbling block

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert G. Patman, Professor of International Relations, University of Otago

    Ahead of his first visit to China, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been at pains to present meetings with Chinese premier Xi Jinping and other leaders as advancing New Zealand’s best interests.

    But there is arguably a degree of cognitive dissonance involved, given the government’s increasing strategic entanglement with the United States – specifically, the administration of President Donald Trump.

    It was this perceived pivot towards the US that earlier this month saw a group of former senior politicians, including former prime ministers Helen Clark and Geoffrey Palmer, warn against “positioning New Zealand alongside the United States as an adversary of China”.

    Luxon has brushed off any implied criticism, and says the National-led coalition remains committed to maintaining a bipartisan, independent foreign policy. But the current government has certainly emphasised a more active role on the international stage in closer alignment with the US.

    After coming to power in late 2023, it hailed shared values and interests with the Biden administration. It then confidently predicted New Zealand-US relations would go “from strength to strength” during Trump’s second presidency.

    To date, nothing seems to shaken this conviction. Even after the explosive White House meeting in February, when Trump claimed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was a warmonger, Luxon confirmed he trusted Trump and the US remained a “reliable” partner.

    While Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters apparently disagreed in early April over whether the Trump administration had unleashed a “trade war”, the prime minister depicted the story as a “real media beat-up”. Later the same month, Luxon agreed with Peters that New Zealand and Trump’s America had “common strategic interests”.

    Closer US ties

    We can trace the National-led government’s closer security alignment with the US back to late January 2024.

    New Zealand backed two United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for immediate humanitarian ceasefires in Gaza. But Luxon then agreed to send a small Defence Force team to the Red Sea to counter attacks on shipping by Yemeni Houthi rebels protesting the lack of a Gaza ceasefire.

    The government has also enthusiastically explored participation in “pillar two” of the AUKUS security pact, with officials saying it has “the potential to be supportive of our national security, defence, and foreign policy settings”.

    In the first half of 2025, New Zealand joined a network of US-led strategic groupings, including:

    To be sure, New Zealand governments and US administrations have long had overlapping concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

    The Labour-led government of Jacinda Ardern issued a defence policy statement in 2018 explicitly identifying China as a threat to the international rules-based order, and condemned the 2022 Solomon Islands-China security pact.

    Ardern’s successor, Chris Hipkins, released a raft of national security material confirming a growing perception of China’s threat.

    And the current government has condemned China’s comprehensive strategic partnership with the Cook Islands – a self-governing entity within the New Zealand’s realm – and expressed consternation about China’s recent military exercises in the Tasman Sea.

    But US fears about the rise of China are not identical to New Zealand’s. Since the Obama presidency, all US administrations, including the current Trump team, have identified China as the biggest threat to America’s status as the dominant global power.

    But while the Obama and Biden administrations couched their concerns (however imperfectly) in terms of China’s threat to multilateral alliances and an international rules-based order, the second Trump administration represents a radical break from the past.

    Not in NZ interests

    Trump’s proposed takeovers of Gaza, Canada and Greenland, his administration’s disestablishment of USAID, sanctions against the International Criminal Court, and withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and the UN Council for Human Rights are all contrary to New Zealand’s national interests.

    Similarly, his sidelining of the UN’s humanitarian role in Gaza, his demand for a Ukraine peace deal on Russian terms, and his assault on free trade through the imposition of tariffs, all conflict with New Zealand’s stated foreign policy positions.

    And right now, Trump’s refusal to condemn Israel’s pre-emptive unilateral attack on Iran shows again his administration’s indifference to international law and the rules-based order New Zealand subscribes to.

    It is becoming much harder for the Luxon government to argue it shares common values and interests with the Trump administration, or that closer strategic alignment with Washington balances Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

    On the contrary, there is a real risk Trump’s apparent support for Vladimir Putin is viewed as weakness by China, Russia’s most important backer. It may embolden Beijing to be forward-leaning in the Indo-Pacific, including the Pacific Islands region where New Zealand has core interests.

    A better strategy would be for New Zealand to reaffirm its friendship with the US but publicly indicate this cannot be maintained at the expense of Wellington’s longstanding commitment to free trade and a rules-based global order.

    In the meantime, a friendly reminder to Luxon’s hosts in Beijing might be in order: that New Zealand is an independent country that will not compromise its commitments to democratic values and human rights.

    Robert G. Patman 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. As Luxon heads to China, his government’s pivot toward the US is a stumbling block – https://theconversation.com/as-luxon-heads-to-china-his-governments-pivot-toward-the-us-is-a-stumbling-block-259129

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: PMPRB report reviews potential impact of new medicines on the Canadian market

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 17, 2025 — Ottawa, ON — Patented Medicine Prices Review Board

    The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) published the 9th edition of its annual Meds Entry Watch report today. Like last year, the analysis finds that the number of new medicines launched in Canada is higher than the median for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Most new medicines come to market with high treatment costs (over $10,000 per year or $5,000 per 28-day cycle for oncology), and specialty medicines such as biologic, orphan, and cancer treatments continue to make up a growing share of the new drug landscape.

    The Meds Entry Watch report focuses on medicines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and/or Health Canada. This edition examines trends in the market for new medicines approved since 2018, highlighting the 48 medicines that received first-time market approval in 2022 and providing a preliminary analysis of the 63 medicines approved in 2023.

    This publication informs decision makers, researchers, and patients of the evolving market dynamics of emerging therapies in Canadian and international pharmaceutical markets.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Anand announces major additional sanctions in relation to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 17, 2025 – Kananaskis, Alberta – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions on 77 individuals and 39 entities under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations. Canada is also implementing sanctions on the trade of almost 1,000 new items with Russia, listing an additional 201 vessels and imposing new prohibitions on listed vessels to further constrain the activities of vessels that are part of Russia’s shadow fleet.

    This is one of Canada’s most important sanctions announcements since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, comprising its biggest-ever package of vessel- and trade-related sanctions. Canada is announcing these sanctions following the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, where leaders met to discuss some of the world’s most pressing issues, including ways to bolster support for Ukraine and ramp up pressure on Russia.

    The new export restrictions include goods related to the production of chemical and biological weapons as well as industrial goods and advanced sensitive technologies with dual-use applications. New import restrictions apply to coal, metals and a variety of other goods through which Russia gains revenue from exporting overseas.

    The ship-related sanctions are upgraded to prohibit the provision of any services related to already-listed vessels, and Canada is listing an additional 201 vessels, meaning that Canada now sanctions over 300 Russia-linked vessels involved in the movement of oil, liquefied natural gas, arms and other items for the benefit of Russia.

    In addition to the exports and ship-related sanctions, Canada is sanctioning 3 financial entities who directly support the Kremlin in moving funds in and out of Russia to pay for arms and other war-related material, upgrading its sanctions on Surgutneftegas, a major Russian oil and gas company, and sanctioning 15 additional individuals and entities that enable Russia’s shadow fleet to conduct its activities.

    Canada is also sanctioning 3 individuals and 14 entities involved in the development of the quantum sector in Russia, a sensitive technology that can have various dual-use military applications and be leveraged by the Kremlin to bolster its military. These measures will limit the capabilities of this technology within the Russian military-industrial complex and its application in future aggression.

    Canada is also imposing sanctions on 29 individuals and 6 entities that have benefited from the war, including some of the wealthiest Russian industrialists, senior government officials and persons involved in the confiscation and redistribution of property and assets of foreign companies in Russia as punishment for their criticism of its unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.

    The list of sanctioned individuals also includes 45 people identified by the Anti-Corruption Foundation. It includes government and private-sector actors who provide direct and indirect support to Russia’s military-industrial complex and disinformation efforts to enable its illegal aggression toward Ukraine.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) Launches QCI Customer Power Pack at Fort Worth Stockyards, Introducing Real-Time Analytics to the Retail and Hospitality Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a global leader in generative driven enterprise platforms, is proud to announce the successful deployment of its QCI Customer Power Pack at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, in partnership with Stockyards Heritage Development Co. This marks a major milestone as QCI brings its powerful analytics and engagement tools into the retail and hospitality space.

    The QCI Customer mobile experience platform has delivered measurable results, equips retail resort operators with real-time behavioral insights, dynamic guest interaction tools, and comprehensive data activation capabilities. Designed to enhance the entire guest experience, the platform empowers strategic decision-making while streamlining operations.

    Built on QCI’s industry-leading analytics engine, the app offers deep visibility into visitor demographics, behavior patterns, and interests. Interactive features allow operators to enhance engagement and deliver personalized offerings—all while collecting actionable data that fuels continuous improvement.

    Ethan Cartwright, Vice President of Marketing for the Stockyards, expressed his enthusiasm for the new technology, stating: “I enjoy seeing who our visitors are, how they engage with the property, and what they’re interested in. The deep reporting aspects of the APP give us a new level of visibility that we’ve never had before—and it’s already helping us make smarter marketing and operational decisions. We are excited about the opportunities that QCI Customer including QCI Power Pack and the QCI Suite present. The quantity of real-time data available is impressive and allows us to share key metrics quickly and confidently with our marketing partners.”

    This project marks QCI’s expansion into the retail and destination hospitality sectors, where the need for rich, data-driven insights continues to grow. The QCI Customer APP offers a seamless mobile experience that bridges entertainment, shopping, dining, and event discovery—all while capturing critical behavioral data in real time.

    Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, shared his thoughts on the successful deployment:
    “We’re excited to bring our proven intelligence platform to the Stockyards. This successful implementation not only validates our retail strategy but also demonstrates how real-time analytics can transform how venues interact with their guests.”

    The QCI Customer APP represents a new frontier in guest engagement for destination venues like the Stockyards. With powerful analytics capabilities and a user-friendly interface, it provides both visitors and operators with an enhanced, intelligent experience.

    QCI’s Enterprise platform is now deployed in over a dozen countries, backed by a solid track record in both retail execution and advanced analytics. With the launch of this new application, QCI has also activated its deep real-time analytical platform, delivering live insights that support operational agility and data-driven decision-making.

    ABOUT Stockyards Heritage Development Co.
    Stockyards Heritage Development Co. is a partnership between nationally recognized developer Majestic Realty Co. and Fort Worth’s Hickman Investments. Created with the intention of thoughtfully reimagining the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the company is dedicated to preserving the National Historic District legacy while elevating it with experiences for locals and visitors from afar. Accomplished through a public/private partnership with the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, the project’s first phase, Mule Alley, broke ground in the fall of 2018 to include the renovation of the destination’s historic, 108-year-old horse and mule barns into a street of curated shops, restaurants, retail, office spaces, and Hotel Drover, an Autograph Collection hotel, which since opening in March 2021, has been consistently rated one of Texas’ top hotels by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and U.S. News & World Report, among others. Phase II, which was unanimously approved by the City of Fort Worth in June 2024, will encompass an additional $630 Million investment to the district and will include 300,000 square feet of new commercial space, new full-service hotels with 500 rooms, a 295-unit multi-family property, and two or more below-ground parking garages to support Cowtown Coliseum, the Fort Worth Herd, and other area improvements. www.fortworthstockyards.com

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Andrew Cardno
    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan invest $3.4 million to support USask’s IntegrOmes project

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 17, 2025 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison announced $3.4 million over 4 years to support the development of 2 new facilities at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) which includes the Omics Resource Centre at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and Beef Reprotech facilities at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).

    The investment will be delivered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) as part of the governments’ commitment to support partnerships with strategic agricultural research organizations.

    The new initiative, called IntegrOmes (Integrated Genomics for Sustainable Animal Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship), will advance beef genetics by matching genomic markers with desirable traits and evaluate reproductive efficiencies. This integrated approach will enable producers to make more precise and data-driven breeding decisions that improve livestock productivity in Saskatchewan.

    The IntegrOmes project will address issues of beef cattle production and reproductive efficiency, animal health and the environment through the adoption of genomic tools. Saskatchewan producers will benefit from having access to these tools to stay competitive in the domestic and international market.

    USask, the WCVM and the LFCE are world-class research, teaching and knowledge-transfer facilities that connect innovation across the livestock production chain. USask’s work in feedlot and cow-calf management, veterinary science and forage systems plays a vital role in driving improvements in productivity and sustainability in the sector.

    This investment builds on the long-standing support for agricultural research by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan. Through shared priorities under Sustainable CAP, over the past 5 years nearly $170 million has been committed in Saskatchewan toward research to improve productivity, expand markets and ensure our agri-food products remain globally competitive.

    With today’s announcement, USask’s LFCE and WCVM continue to strengthen Saskatchewan’s reputation as a global leader in high-quality, safe and sustainable food production.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Public invited to learn about improvements to Highway 14-Idlemore intersection

    Safety improvements are planned for the intersection at Highway 14 and Idlemore Road in Sooke and a public information session about the project will be held.

    Staff from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit will present information including design details for the improved intersection, which will increase safety and ease the flow of traffic for drivers, pedestrians and people cycling or rolling in the area.

    These safety improvements will also provide better access to Saseenos Elementary school and support future economic development opportunities for T’Sou-ke First Nation.

    The information session will be Monday, June 23, 2025, 4-7 p.m. at the Saseenos Elementary school gymnasium (6066 Sooke Rd., Sooke). Staff will provide a design overview and be available to answer questions about the project.

    Learn More:

    More information about the project can be found at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/other-transportation-projects/highway-14-idlemore

    MIL OSI Canada News –