Category: Canada

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SSHRC’s Storytellers Challenge celebrates the winning narratives of innovative research

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    FREDERICTON, NB, June 13, 2025 – The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is delighted to announce the winners of its 12thStorytellers Challenge, a national competition that asks postsecondary students to demonstrate—in up to three minutes or 300 words—how SSHRC-funded research is making a difference in the lives of Canadians. The Challenge is designed to highlight the powerful stories—told by students—emerging from research in Canadian social sciences and humanities disciplines.

    After a rigorous selection process, these exceptional Storytellers have demonstrated outstanding creativity and insight in sharing their research journeys and discoveries with the broader public. The announcement was made at the SSHRC Storytellers Showcase, held at the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada conference, in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

    The 2025 Storytellers Challenge winners are:

    • Sarah Abouali, from University of Calgary, who shared a story about Canadian Muslim youth identity challenges, mental health and well-being.
    • Maddie Brockbank, from McMaster University, who told us about co-designing a gender-based and sexual violence prevention framework to address ongoing concerns related to the prevalence of gender-based sexual violence and men’s disengagement from existing anti-violence work.
    • Mélanie Letendre Jauniaux, from Bishop’s University, who explained the impacts of raising trauma awareness to build community resilience.
    • Jaweria Qaiser, from University of Toronto, who described why it is important to be able to empathize in a group setting, especially when tensions are high.
    • Micheal P. Taylor, from Memorial University, who shared their story about probation, parole and correctional work through practitioners’ perspectives.

    Each winner receives $1,000 in addition to the $3,000 they received as finalists, national recognition and a platform to amplify their work, helping to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the vital role of social sciences and humanities research in Canada. Join us in congratulating this talented group of Storytellers.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: General Contractor Selected For The New Grenfell Long-Term Care Project

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 13, 2025

    PCL Construction Management Inc. has been selected through a two-stage procurement process as the successful team to deliver the new 33-bed Grenfell Long-Term Care (LTC) Home. 

    “The Grenfell Long-Term Care Home is a vital investment in the infrastructure that supports our residents,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “Selecting a general contractor is the first step in providing a modern, accessible long-term care home for Saskatchewan residents in Grenfell and surrounding areas.” 

    “We are very pleased to have a team in place for the Grenfell Long-Term Care project and construction can soon begin,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. “Thank you to the foundation and the community for your continued support and commitment to bringing this important facility to life.” 

    PCL Construction was chosen to lead the construction project following a two-stage procurement process. The new LTC home will include two spa tub rooms, a commercial kitchen, common living and dining spaces, administrative areas, a maintenance garage and parking stalls. 

    “I am so pleased to see the new 33-bed Grenfell Long-Term Care Home move forward,” MLA for Moosomin-Montmartre and Legislative Secretary to the Ministers of Health Kevin Weedmark said. “I am happy to see this investment in health care in Southeast Saskatchewan. This new facility will change lives by providing long-term care in Grenfell, so more people can receive this care close to home. I thank the people of Grenfell and area, and the local health care foundation, for the work they have done to move this project forward. I am excited to see the difference this facility will make in people’s lives when it opens in 2027.”

    “We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the Grenfell Long-Term Care project,” PCL Construction District Manager Mike Zurowski said. “This facility will be a cornerstone for the community, providing essential care and comfort for years to come. It is an honour to work alongside SaskBuilds and Procurement on such a meaningful initiative, and our team is excited to bring this vision to life with the quality and dedication we are known for.” 

    “It is very exciting that this long awaited and much needed project is going ahead to benefit the community and surrounding area,” Grenfell and District Health Foundation Chair Trevor Burnham said. “We are looking forward to learning more about the final details about the project.” 

    Owned and operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the new long-term care home will be built on a vacant parcel of land at the corner of Alberta Avenue and Qu’Appelle Street in the northeast corner of Grenfell.  

    “This new long-term care home reflects Saskatchewan Health Authority’s strong commitment to supporting seniors in living healthy, fulfilling lives and receiving care as close to home as possible,” SHA CEO Andrew Will said. “With 33 new beds, this home will provide a welcoming environment for seniors in Grenfell and surrounding area, helping them stay connected to family, friends and community while receiving high-quality care.” 

    Construction is scheduled to begin July 2025 with substantial completion by Spring 2027. Residents of the Grenfell Pioneer Home, which closed in 2018, were relocated to nearby facilities.  

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Wildlife overpass dedicated to a prominent Albertan

    [. He was so impressed by what he saw that his government created Kananaskis Country to preserve the breathtaking landscape and ecosystem of the region.

    Today, Kananaskis Country spans 4,000 square kilometres and includes five provincial parks. Premier Lougheed contributed so much to conserve and promote Alberta’s natural beauty, so it is fitting to honour his legacy by naming the new wildlife overpass on the Trans-Canada Highway the Honourable Peter Lougheed Wildlife Overpass. Construction of the $17.5-million overpass began in 2022, and the project was completed last year. It’s the first wildlife overpass to be constructed outside of a national park in Alberta.

    “Naming this structure in honour of former premier Lougheed provides a long-lasting reminder of his work to preserve Kananaskis Country for our enjoyment and the safety of the wildlife that roam through the region”

    Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

    “Our job at Forestry and Parks is to take care of the land, the wildlife and the places Albertans love to explore. This overpass is a great example of how we’re working to protect both animals and people. Naming it after Premier Lougheed is a great way to honour the man whose vision helped create Kananaskis Country in the first place. His legacy lives on every time a hiker hits the trail, a family sets up camp or a bear crosses the highway safely.”

    Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

    The Honourable Peter Lougheed Wildlife Overpass, on the northern tip of Kananaskis Country, provides a gateway for wildlife to cross safely into and out of the area. It is one of the busiest wildlife corridors in the region, as bears, elk, deer, lynx and other animals travel between the mountains, the foothills and valleys below. Organizations like the Yellowhead to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) and the Miistakis Institute have studied wildlife movements in the region, and with their input this site was selected.

    “This overpass is a major milestone in advancing wildlife crossings in one of the most important landscapes for wildlife movement in the entire Yellowstone to Yukon region. We applaud the Alberta Government’s leadership in hugely advancing these projects, as they’ve created a conservation success story that benefits both wildlife and people.” 

    Jodi Hilty, president and chief scientist, Y2Y

    The wildlife crossing structure demonstrates Alberta’s commitment to improving safety for both drivers and wildlife. The new crossing is expected to reduce collisions in the area by an estimated 80 per cent. The crossing supports the Alberta Wildlife Watch Program, a leading-edge driver safety program, to prevent animal-vehicle collisions. The program identifies collision prone locations along the highway network and works to mitigate those risks through projects such as wildlife crossings and fencing. In fact, wildlife such as deer, elk, coyote and lynx were using the crossing structure before it was even completed.

    “This is a really exciting moment for so many people who have been involved in this project for over a decade. The new overpass is a huge step forward in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, connecting natural landscapes, and improving the ability for wildlife to find food, mates, water and safety. This crossing will help elk, deer, bears and other animals across the Trans-Canada Highway in a way that is safe for them and the tens of thousands of people driving this highway every day.”

    Tim Johnson, landscape connectivity specialist, Y2Y

    Key Facts

    • Peter Lougheed became Premier of Alberta in 1971 and served Albertans until his retirement in 1985.
    • Peter Lougheed passed away in September of 2012.
    • Construction of the wildlife overpass began in 2022 and was completed in fall 2024.
    • Animal-vehicle collisions are a significant safety concern and account for about 60 per cent of reported collisions on rural highways.
    • These animal-vehicle collisions cost Albertans nearly $300,000 per day in direct and indirect costs, including property damage, health care and highway cleanup.

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Highways Minister Kicks Off Province-Wide Summer Road Tour

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 13, 2025

    Highways Minister David Marit is going on a province-wide tour to drive the Saskatchewan road network and meet with communities to hear their highways priorities.

    Marit has already visited the communities and surrounding areas of Norquay, Tisdale, Davidson, Cudworth, Elfros, Prince Albert and multiple rural municipalities.

    “Discussions with the communities so far have been great for hearing about what the people in the area are seeing and what their priorities are,” Marit said.

    “I look forward to continuing this tour throughout the summer months, driving on the highways I am hearing about and meeting with as many people as I can on how we can best deliver the road infrastructure they need and deserve.”

    The road tour will continue through the summer months with plans to head to all areas of the province including the northern and the western regions.

    The Ministry of Highways 2025-26 Budget of $777 million is a road map to enhance driver safety and invest in strategic infrastructure to sustain Saskatchewan’s export-based economy.

    With this year’s budget, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $13.8 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 21,800 km of highways across the province.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Michel welcomes External Expert Review report on the modernization of preventive health care guideline development in Canada

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Statement

    June 13, 2025 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

    Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, made the following statement:

    “Preventive health care helps improve long-term health outcomes by detecting, delaying and preventing disease before symptoms appear. To modernize the development of preventive health care guidelines, such as breast cancer screening guidelines, and ensure they meet the evolving needs of Canada’s health care system, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) commissioned an External Expert Review (EER) to examine the governance, mandate, and scientific processes of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Task Force).

    The EER Panel’s report, Modernizing Preventive Health Care Guideline Development in Canada: A Way Forward, outlines key recommendations and system-wide actions to strengthen preventive health guidance in Canada. I’d like to thank the members of the EER Panel for their dedication and expertise in producing a thoughtful and comprehensive report. PHAC will immediately begin working with experts and stakeholders on the review and the implementation of the recommendations. I have asked PHAC that the modernized Task Force be fully operational by April 2026.

    We remain committed to promoting the overall health and well-being of Canadians and look forward to working with partners across the country to strengthen how we develop and maintain preventive health care guidelines in Canada, including as it relates to women’s health. ”

    Contacts

    Guillaume Bertrand
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Honourable Marjorie Michel
    Minister of Health
    guillaume.bertrand@hc-sc.gc.ca

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

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Costa to travel to Kananaskis, Canada for the G7 summit on 15-17 June 2025

    Source: Council of the European Union

    The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kananaskis, Alberta (Canada) to take part in the G7 summit from 15 to 17 June 2025. Hosted by Canada as the rotating G7 presidency, the Summit will bring together the leaders of the seven G7 countries, as well as the European Union and other invited countries to discuss pressing global issues, including international peace and security, the global economic outlook and energy security.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Company sentenced for workplace injuries

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: LaSalle Causeway: Update on closures

    Source: Government of Canada News

    For immediate release

    Kingston, Ontario, June 13, 2025 – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) would like to provide an update on the temporary closures for marine openings on the LaSalle Causeway, following the public notice issued on June 3.

    The LaSalle Causeway was originally scheduled to be fully closed to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on Sunday, June 15, from 6 am to 10 pm. The timeframe for this closure has been extended by 2 hours and is now:

    • Sunday, June 15, at 6 am to Monday, June 16, at 12 am

    The extended closure of the causeway is required to carry out modifications to the bridge structure. The rest of the schedule for marine openings remains unchanged and is available on PSPC’s LaSalle Causeway page.

    Additionally, PSPC wishes to advise users that there will be off-peak alternating lane closures on the LaSalle Causeway to carry out modifications to the bridge structure during the following period:

    • Monday, June 16, from 9:30 am to 12 pm

    During this period, only 1 lane will be open to traffic in alternating directions, and access to the sidewalk may be temporarily interrupted. Road signage will be in place, with flag persons directing motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Users may experience delays.

    The schedule may change depending on weather conditions.

    PSPC encourages all users to exercise caution when travelling and thanks them for their patience.

    Please consult our public notices and X (Twitter) account for updates, along with the LaSalle Causeway page for any schedule changes after business hours.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province helps build global connections for B.C.’s life-sciences sector

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    B.C. will lead a delegation of companies to the BIO International Convention in Boston, Mass., to attract more investment to the province’s life-sciences sector and build relationships with other countries to help strengthen the economy against ongoing U.S. tariffs.

    Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, will be at the conference June 15-19, 2025.

    BIO is the largest and most comprehensive international event for biotechnology, bringing 20,000 industry leaders together from across the globe. The ministry will showcase B.C.’s award-winning Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy to international delegates. The strategy builds on the momentum of the rapidly expanding sector and supports businesses to more easily commercialize their innovations.

    “We want attendees at BIO to know that B.C. is open for business and we are ready to welcome new investors and talent to join our growing life-sciences, health-care and technology sectors,” Gibson said. “With our competitive advantages, our talented people, world-class universities, and rich startup and scale-up ecosystem, B.C.’s life-sciences and biomanufacturing sector is growing faster than anywhere else in the country.”

    Gibson will highlight B.C.’s life-sciences sector as a global leader in innovative discoveries and world-leading products and services. Meetings are set with potential investors, venture-capital and other business partners to explore opportunities and foster critical relationships.

    “British Columbia’s life-sciences sector is an innovation powerhouse with world-class research, top-tier talent and a dynamic startup ecosystem,” said Wendy Hurlburt, president and CEO, Life Sciences BC. “As global investors and strategic partners seek impactful, breakthrough technologies, B.C. is at the forefront, offering exceptional opportunities to shape the future of health. At BIO 2025, Life Sciences BC and our delegation of almost 40 companies is inviting the world to discover why British Columbia is the place where the future of life sciences is being built.”

    Life Sciences B.C. will host its opening reception, which is one of the main go-to Canadian events at the conference with more than 200 attendees and approximately half being international audiences. B.C. delegates will promote common goals and their Team B.C. approach at the convention.

    “British Columbia is home to exceptional scientific talent and a life-sciences sector with real, growing momentum,” said Kenneth Galbraith, chair and chief executive officer of Zymeworks. “At Zymeworks, we’ve grown from our roots in Vancouver to a global company that is partnering with some of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical organizations to advance novel therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers. Our experience and expertise reflect the strength of British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem and its ability to support companies as they scale to make a real impact for patients in need.”

    Key discussions will include international talent mobility and workforce development, technology commercialization, strengthening collaboration between post-secondary institutions, expanding research and innovation partnerships in priority sectors, such as artificial intelligence and health tech, and highlighting B.C.’s strength as a clean-tech hub.

    B.C. continues to make record investments in its world-renowned research centres to support their discoveries and innovations. To date, government has invested more than $737 million and leveraged more than $1.2 billion in federal funding and private investment to expand the life-sciences sector.

    As Canada’s gateway to the Pacific, British Columbia is ideally located for easy and cost-effective international commerce, with a business day that conveniently overlaps with afternoon working hours in Europe, the morning in Asia and is synchronized for the full day with California and Washington state.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the advantages of doing business in British Columbia, visit: https://www.britishcolumbia.ca

    For information about B.C.’s Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/technology-innovation/life-sciences-biomanufacturing

    For more information about the BIO International Convention, visit: https://www.bio.org/events/bio-international-convention

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 13, 2025

    June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) is encouraging all Saskatchewan residents to consider naming a Trusted Contact Person (TCP) and providing it to your registered financial advisor. This can help protect their financial assets in the future. 

    “A health crisis can happen at any time, leaving a person vulnerable to financial exploitation or issues that might affect their capacity to make financial decisions,” FCAA Executive Director of Securities Dean Murrison said. “Naming a Trusted Contact Person can provide you with peace of mind knowing your registered financial advisor has someone you trust that they can contact if required.”

    A TCP is someone you authorize your registered financial advisor to contact in certain circumstances. It lets your registered financial advisor know who you trust and who they have permission to contact if required.

    If you have a TCP, your registered financial advisor may need to contact them if: 

    • they are having difficulty contacting you; 
    • they are concerned you are vulnerable and being financially exploited;
    • you have a health issue and they need to confirm your wellbeing; or
    • they need confirmation of your legal representative(s).

    A TCP should be someone you trust and someone who is capable of handling difficult conversations about your personal situation. Consider choosing someone who:

    • will protect your interests;
    • will be comfortable talking to your registered financial advisor;
    • knows you well enough to notice changes in your personal situation;
    • is familiar with your support network;
    • agrees to take on the role; and
    • is typically not involved in your financial decisions, and preferably, is not your Financial Power of Attorney. 

    More information about naming a TCP can be found on the FCAA website at:
    https://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/consumers-investors-pension-plan-members/investors/financial-literacy/seniors/senior-financial-abuse/trusted-contact-person-tcp.

    If a senior has faced financial exploitation or if fraud has occurred, contact local police, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the Securities Division of the FCAA at 306-787-5645 or fcaa@gov.sk.ca.

    For more information about senior financial abuse and tips for family members and caregivers visit:
    https://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/consumers-investors-pension-plan-members/investors/financial-literacy/seniors/senior-financial-abuse.

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    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The FCAA Warns Saskatchewan Residents of Scams Targeting Wildfire Evacuees

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 13, 2025

    The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) is warning residents of scams that are targeting wildfire evacuees. The messages claim to be from the Canadian Red Cross and request personal and banking information in order to process payments.

    The Canadian Red Cross has issued a fraud alert regarding Manitoba and Saskatchewan wildfires advising that individuals eligible for financial assistance will NOT need to provide their social insurance number, bank account information or credit card number during their registration to receive assistance. 

    In light of this recent scam, the FCAA encourages all Saskatchewan residents to be mindful if you are contacted by a charitable organization requesting personal or banking information. 

    Scam red flags (email, phone and text)

    • Emails coming from a domain that does not match the company.
    • Unsolicited calls or texts from unknown numbers.
    • Messages with spelling or grammar errors.
    • Requests for personal or banking information.
    • Pressure to act quickly. 
    • Too-good- to-be-true offers. 
    • Suspicious links and attachments. 
    • If you are unable to confirm the organization’s registration or licence.

    Tips to protect yourself from scams 

    • Do not answer or engage with unsolicited messages. 
    • Do not click on any links or attachments.
    • Never share personal information (SIN, bank account, credit card) through email, phone or text.
    • If you suspect you have received a scam email, phone call or text, contact your local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre immediately.

    The FCAA licenses for-profit charitable fund-raising businesses acting on behalf of a registered charity. Click here to check the charitable fundraising businesses licensed through the FCAA. Charities acting on their own behalf, including the Canadian Red Cross, are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Click here to check the charities registered with the CRA.

    For more information about donating to a charity, visit the FCAA’s website at https://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/consumers-investors-pension-plan-members/consumers/donating-to-charity.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier Returns to Boston to Promote Life Sciences Sector, Meet With Northeastern Governors

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Tim Houston will be in Boston this weekend to attend the BIO Boston International Convention, the largest biotechnology conference in the world, and meet with northeastern U.S. governors to discuss shared priorities.

    At the conference, the Premier will host an event for international biopharma representatives to showcase Nova Scotia’s commitment to advance the life sciences sector and highlight the importance of the sector’s role in promoting both health outcomes and economic growth.

    The meeting with northeastern U.S. governors follows an invitation they extended to eastern Canadian premiers in early May amid concerns over tariffs and maintaining strong trade relations.

    “The New England region has always been an important trade partner to Nova Scotia, and it will continue to be even as we forge new relationships and create new opportunities for hard-working Nova Scotians,” said Premier Houston. “Our ties to New England run deep, and Nova Scotia has a lot to offer – from expertise in the biotech sector, to high-quality seafood, to wind energy that can help power New England’s energy needs, and so much more.”

    Premier Houston has cited New England as an example of a region with massive energy needs that could benefit from Nova Scotia’s plan to construct offshore wind turbines.

    Premier Houston continues to discuss the removal of interprovincial trade barriers, improved labour mobility and diversifying to new markets with other premiers and the federal government. Several jurisdictions have already agreed to remove trade barriers.

    As part of Budget 2025-26, the Province will work to strengthen Nova Scotia’s self-reliance by investing in critical minerals, wind resources and the seafood sector, in addition to investing more money to grow the Nova Scotia Loyal program. The Province will also develop a comprehensive trade action plan to facilitate internal trade, enhance productivity and drive critical sectors with input from businesses and industry.


    Quick Facts:

    • in 2024, Nova Scotia exports to the New England states reached $1.2 billion, and imports from this region were almost $64 million
    • the annual BIO International Convention attracts more than 20,000 industry leaders from across the globe; last year the Premier attended the event in San Diego
    • seven Nova Scotian companies have confirmed their attendance at BIO International Convention 2025
    • mission delegates from the Province include Premier Houston; Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness; Nicole LaFosse Parker, Chief of Staff and General Counsel, Premier’s Office; Tracey Taweel, Executive Deputy Minister; and Jean MacEachern, Special Advisor to the Minister of Health and Wellness

    Additional Resources:

    BIO International Convention 2025: https://eventannual.com/bioconference/

    News release – Premier to Promote Nova Scotia Opportunities in New York, Boston: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/03/12/premier-promote-nova-scotia-opportunities-new-york-boston


    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Club World Cup 2025 shows sharing the stage is the future of global sport

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Cook, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Nottingham Trent University

    Before it kicked off, the all new revamped and expanded men’s 2025 Fifa Club World Cup had already attracted controversy.

    Some think even more football matches at the end of a long season pose a risk to player welfare. Others are concerned about a lack of fan engagement.

    But aside from these issues the tournament, which features 32 clubs from around the world, provides fresh evidence of a new model emerging in global sport.

    This event, which is being staged in 12 different cities across the US, is the latest experiment in “polycentric” hosting, where multiple locations collaborate as destinations for international sporting events.


    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.


    The next men’s Fifa World Cup in 2026 will take place across the US, Canada and Mexico. Four years later, the event will be spread across different continents, starting in South America, before moving to Europe and Africa. In between, the men’s Euros of 2028 will be co-hosted by the UK and Ireland.

    The trend is not limited to football. The 2026 Winter Olympics is being shared in Italy between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Commonwealth Games are also moving towards a more pragmatic model of hosting.

    Our research, which focused on the men’s Euro 2020 tournament (delayed by COVID and held in 2021), suggests that polycentric hosting has many advantages.

    Spanning 11 European countries, Euro 2020 was conceived as a celebration of the tournament’s 60th anniversary.

    From a branding perspective, this posed significant challenges. Each city had its own visual identity, with localised fan engagement strategies.

    Without a singular geographic or cultural anchor, Uefa, the governing body of European football, had to balance the benefits of celebrating local diversity with the need for a coherent overarching narrative.

    Yet overall, the format worked. Despite the pandemic’s disruption, the tournament still reached broad audiences and activated fanbases in multiple regions.

    Instead of one city or nation shouldering the financial and logistical burden of building infrastructure, accommodating visitors, and managing security and transport, responsibilities were shared.

    A team effort

    This can significantly reduce the risk of the problem of “white elephants” where expensive stadiums or facilities fall into disuse after an event has finished.

    By using infrastructure and venues which already exist, the environmental and economic costs of hosting are minimised. It also makes hosting more feasible for countries that might not have the capacity to do it alone.

    At the same time, many of the perceived benefits of staging sports events – such as economic boosts to local economies, increases in tourism, improved transport links, and civic pride – can be shared more widely. Rather than one host reaping all the rewards, several places can potentially benefit, engaging local communities and stimulating regional development.

    Euro 2020, on the road to Wembley.
    Michael Tubi/Shutterstock

    Collaborative multi-host formats also allow for widespread sharing of knowledge and opportunities for innovation. When cities and organising committees work together, they can bring diverse perspectives, cultural insights, operational practices, and even healthy competition to the table.

    We found that the development of friendly rivalries between Euro 2020 hosts actually encouraged a competitive mindset that motivated organising committee staff to attempt to outperform counterpart cities.




    Read more:
    Trump’s travel ban casts shadow over the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup and other US-hosted sporting events


    Meanwhile Uefa enabled those different cities to develop branding strategies which reflected local character while contributing to a broader European narrative of unity through sport. One example was each city selecting a landmark bridge to tie in with the tournament’s overarching “bridging Europe” theme.

    This collaborative way of thinking also led to creative and inclusive ideas. Glasgow, for example, integrated a cultural festival into its role as a host city, featuring local artists and musicians.

    Polycentric tournaments aren’t without challenges of course. There is a risk of fragmentation, where the tournament feels like a series of disconnected mini-events rather than something cohesive.

    But overall, the environmental, economic and cultural benefits can be substantial. And what began as a celebratory one-off with Euro 2020 is fast becoming the design for future major sport events.

    By sharing the spotlight, cities and countries also share the strain and the opportunity. The age of the single host nation isn’t over, and the looming Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup is a stark reminder that above all, money still talks. But the era of shared hosting is clearly here, and might just be what global sport and its fans need.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. The Club World Cup 2025 shows sharing the stage is the future of global sport – https://theconversation.com/the-club-world-cup-2025-shows-sharing-the-stage-is-the-future-of-global-sport-256117

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • Google sues LATAM Airlines in US over Brazilian YouTube video dispute

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Google sued Chile-based LATAM Airlines in U.S. federal court on Thursday, seeking a declaration that Brazilian courts cannot force the tech giant to take down a YouTube video in the U.S. that accused a LATAM employee of sexually abusing a child.

    Alphabet’s Google, which owns YouTube, said in the lawsuit that LATAM was attempting to “make an end-run” around protections for free speech under the U.S. Constitution by suing in Brazil to force the video’s removal worldwide.

    “LATAM has not received any official communication about the court case,” the company told Reuters.

    Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement that the company has “long supported the legal principle that courts in a country have jurisdiction over content available in that country, but not over what content should be available in other countries.”

    Right-wing social media companies Trump Media and Rumble filed a similar lawsuit in Florida in February against a Brazilian judge who had ordered them to remove the U.S.-based accounts of a leading supporter of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. A federal judge decided in the case that the companies were not required to comply with the order in the United States.

    According to Google’s lawsuit filed in San Jose, California, U.S. citizen and Florida resident Raymond Moreira posted two YouTube videos in 2018 of his 6-year-old son outlining allegations of sexual abuse that the child said he experienced from a LATAM employee while traveling as an unaccompanied minor.

    Moreira sued LATAM in Florida in 2020 over the alleged abuse, which led to a confidential settlement.

    LATAM sued Google in Brazil in 2018 seeking an order to remove the video from YouTube. A Brazilian appeals court is set to consider next week whether it has the authority to order Google to take down the video worldwide.

    Google asked the court in California on Thursday to declare that LATAM cannot force the tech giant to remove the video in the United States.

    Canada’s Supreme Court upheld an order for Google to remove some search results worldwide in a separate case in 2018. A California judge halted that order’s U.S. enforcement in 2017.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: Riverhead — RCMP charges a man with child pornography offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a man with child pornography and child luring offences in Riverhead.

    On June 3, the RCMP’s ICE Unit, assisted by Barrington RCMP, Shelburne RCMP and RCMP Digital Forensic Services executed a search warrant at a home on Oak Park Rd. and safely arrested a 41-year-old man from Riverhead.

    Investigators were directed to the residence after a social media application notified law enforcement that child pornography had been transmitted using their service.

    Through the course of the investigation, it was also learned that the man had communicated online with a child in Newfoundland and had sent sexually explicit material. With the assistance of the RCMP-RNC Integrated Internet Child Exploitation Unit, the child victim was located and evidence gathered.

    Robert Nickerson, 41, has been charged with:

    • Possession of Child Pornography
    • Distribution of Child Pornography
    • Luring a Child
    • Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child

    Nickerson was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Yarmouth Provincial Court on September 2, 2025.

    With these types of offences, specifically Luring a Child, it is possible there may be more victims. The RCMP ICE Unit is encouraging anyone with additional information concerning this incident to call their local RCMP detachment or municipal police agency.

    In Nova Scotia it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography; anyone who comes across child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failure to report could result in penalties similar to those for failure to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act. Be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to your local police or to Canada’s national tipline: www.cybertip.ca.

    File 2024-1888833

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Child care program closed due to non-compliance

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada Disability Benefit

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Persons with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty than working-age persons without disabilities because of economic and social exclusion, barriers to employment, and other factors. Recognizing this, the Government of Canada created the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) to support the financial security of working age, low-income persons with disabilities by providing them with direct financial support.

    Through the Canada Disability Benefit Act that came into force on June 22, 2024, investments of $6.1 billion over six years provided under Budget 2024, and the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations that  came into force on May 15, 2025, the CDB is now enshrined into Canada’s social safety-net.

    The benefit is administered by Service Canada, and will provide a maximum of $200 per month, for a total of $2,400 per year, to low-income persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64. It is estimated that this benefit will increase the financial well-being of over 600,000 low-income persons with disabilities. The benefit is intended to supplement, not replace, existing provincial and territorial income support measures and fill a gap in the federal social safety net between the Canada Child Benefit and Old Age Security for working-age persons with disabilities.

    As of June 20, 2025, people will be to apply in a manner that works best for them, including an online self-serve option. If needed, people can receive assistance applying for the benefit by phone or in person at their nearest Service Canada Centre. The first payments of the CDB will be made in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025.

    To receive the benefit, a person must:

    • be a resident of Canada for the purposes of the Income Tax Act
    • have been approved for the disability tax credit
    • be between the ages of 18 and 64
    • have filed an income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency for the previous tax year (their spouse or common-law partner, if they have one, must have also file their taxes.)
    • be one of the following:
      • a Canadian citizen
      • a permanent resident
      • a protected person
      • a temporary resident who has lived in Canada for the past 18 months
      • someone who is registered or entitled to be registered under the Indian Act.

    If a person is married or has a common-law partner, their spouse or common-law partner must also have filed an income tax and benefit return with the Canada Revenue Agency for the previous tax year. In some exceptional cases, this requirement may be waived.

    With the support from the CDB, persons with disabilities will have more money to cover the costs of accessible housing, medical care and disability supports.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Frédérick Rolette Commissioned into Service

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 13, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Today, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) welcomed His Majesty’s Ship (HMCS) Frédérick Rolette into naval service with a commissioning ceremony.

    A commissioning ceremony is a long-time naval tradition and a special event for the ship’s company. Today’s traditional event included a symbolic presentation of the commissioning pennant to the Commanding Officer, Commander Jolene Lisi, and the breaking of the ship’s pennant at the same time as the ship’s ensign.

    HMCS Frédérick Rolette is the fifth Harry DeWolf class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) to be welcomed into the RCN’s fleet. These vessels enhance the RCN’s ability to enforce sovereignty in Canadian waters and helps meet future defence challenges in Northern waters. 

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI: Alectra releases 2024 ESG and GRE&T Centre reports highlighting commitment to sustainability, community support and grid modernization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alectra Inc. presents its 2024 Annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, ‘Discover the Possibilities’, showcasing significant progress toward its long-term sustainability goals while continuing to deliver reliable, affordable energy services to more than one million homes and businesses across Ontario.

    The report outlines how Alectra is investing in modernizing its electricity grid to meet growing demand, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build stronger communities through targeted social investments.

    Alongside the ESG report, Alectra also released the 2024 Green Energy & Technology (GRE&T) Centre Report, ‘Where Great Minds Collaborate to Power a Better Tomorrow’. The report highlights progress in advancing grid-edge technologies, supporting innovation, and building strategic partnerships to shape a more sustainable future.

    “At Alectra, we recognize our responsibility goes beyond powering homes and businesses,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “Our 2024 ESG and GRE&T Centre reports demonstrate how we’re advancing sustainability, strengthening our communities, and creating long-term value for the customers and municipalities we proudly serve.”

    Some key achievements highlighted by Alectra in the ESG report include:

    • Achieving a 21.1 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2023.
    • Allocated $1.39 million through the AlectraCARES Community Support Program, supporting over 150 local health, housing and food security initiatives.
    • Invested $460 million in grid renewal and replacement projects to modernize the electricity grid.
    • Expanded People Deal initiative by investing $191,000 to support organizations promoting equality and inclusion.
    • Recognized as a Corporate Knights Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens – ranked first in Canada in the electricity transmission and distribution sector and eighth overall.
    • Earned the PRISM Certified designation from Imagine Canada for continued leadership in community investment.
    • Recognized as a Greater Toronto Area Top Employer for the fifth consecutive year.

    View Alectra’s 2024 Annual ESG Report here, and 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements here, and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) here, and see the GRE&T Centre Report here

    About Alectra Inc. Family of Companies

    Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions.

    Media Contact:

    Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson
    ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIA-LN

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadians can apply for the Canada Disability Benefit on June 20

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    First payments to be issued in July

    June 13, 2025              Gatineau, Quebec              Employment and Social Development Canada  

    Today, the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, announced that persons with disabilities will be able to apply for the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) as of June 20, 2025.

    First payments will begin in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025. Canadians will be able to apply through barrier-free, accessible ways: online, in person at a Service Canada office, or by phone.

    Persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64 can apply for the benefit if they have qualified for the disability tax credit (DTC) and meet the benefit’s other eligibility requirements, including having filed their 2024 income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency. For those who have a spouse or common-law partner, their partner must also have filed their 2024 income tax return to be eligible.

    The federal government will send letters to eligible Canadians inviting them to apply.

    To support individuals with the application process, a number of community-based organizations across Canada will provide accessible, individualized navigation services to disability programs and benefits, including the DTC and CDB. Applicants can also now use the newly launched benefit estimator tool to find out how much they may qualify to receive each month.  

    This new benefit reflects the federal government’s commitment to improving financial security for Canadians living with disabilities. 

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI: Small Capital, Big Profits – Double Your Deposit, 100x Leverage, No KYC on BexBack

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin recently broke the $100,000 barrier and established a solid position above it, many analysts are confirming that the long-awaited crypto bull market has officially returned. With heightened market volatility on the horizon, savvy investors are seeking the best tools to maximize their profits. BexBack, a leading crypto futures platform, is stepping up to the challenge by offering 100x leverage, no KYC, and a 100% deposit bonus to help traders make the most of this bullish market phase.

    How Can Smaller Capital Lead to Larger Profits? The Power of 100x Leverage

    In a volatile market like this, where every price movement counts, 100x leverage allows you to amplify your potential profits exponentially with a relatively small amount of capital. Here’s how it works:

    • Maximized Trading Power: Leverage allows you to open positions much larger than your initial deposit. For example, with 1 BTC at $100,000 and 100x leverage, you can control 100 BTC.
    • Small Price Movements, Big Profits: If Bitcoin moves from $100,000 to $110,000, a 100x leveraged position could yield a 1000% return, turning a small change in price into a significant profit.
    • Low Capital, High Return: Whether you’re new to trading or a seasoned investor, leverage gives you the ability to control much larger positions, amplifying your potential gains, all with a smaller initial deposit.

    However, with leverage comes responsibility. While high leverage can lead to impressive returns, it also magnifies risks, so it’s important to manage positions carefully.

    What Is the Double Deposit Bonus and How Does It Work?

    To further enhance trading opportunities, BexBack is offering a 100% deposit bonus to all users. This means if you deposit funds into your BexBack account, you’ll receive an additional bonus of equal value to your deposit.

    For example, if you deposit 2 BTC, you will receive an additional 2 BTC as a bonus, effectively doubling your available trading funds. While the bonus itself cannot be withdrawn directly, it can be used as margin, allowing you to control larger positions and making liquidation more difficult. Moreover, any profits earned from trading with the bonus can be fully withdrawn.

    The bonus acts as an extra margin, helping you manage trades in a volatile market. It’s an excellent way to start trading with more capital, increasing your chances of success without taking on more risk than you’re comfortable with.

    Why Choose BexBack for Crypto Futures Trading?

    BexBack stands out for several reasons that make it an ideal platform for crypto futures trading:

    • 100x Leverage: Maximize your potential profits with up to 100x leverage, a powerful tool to amplify your trading capital.
    • No KYC: Enjoy the freedom of trading without identity verification, keeping your privacy intact and making registration quick and easy.
    • Zero Slippage and Spread: BexBack offers zero spread, meaning you get the best price execution for your trades, without slippage.
    • Global Access and 24/7 Support: BexBack is available to users in various countries, including the US, Canada, and Europe, offering round-the-clock support.
    • Demo Account: A great feature for beginners, BexBack offers a demo account with virtual funds, allowing new users to practice risk-free trading.
    • Lucrative Affiliate Program: Earn up to 50% in commissions by referring new users to the platform.
    • High Liquidity: BexBack ensures a seamless trading experience with high liquidity across all major trading pairs.

    About BexBack

    Founded in Singapore, BexBack is a cutting-edge cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering futures contracts on over 50 digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and XRP. BexBack is licensed under the US MSB (Money Services Business) regulations and is trusted by more than 500,000 global traders. With no deposit fees, no KYC, and a user-friendly interface, BexBack is designed to offer traders flexibility, security, and a seamless trading experience.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Maximize Your Crypto Profits

    The crypto bull market is in full force, and BexBack is here to help you capture every opportunity. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and no KYC, there has never been a better time to trade.

    Sign up now on BexBack and claim your exclusive bonus to start trading today! Seize the potential of this bull market and enjoy faster wealth accumulation with BexBack’s cutting-edge trading tools.

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack . The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1900eecf-82b0-4cd7-9ad8-4180542964cf

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0867c8a1-32a4-4d9a-a4ce-2331bae08c1c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f768d99-598f-4aa4-9ff5-7700f8d4bab5

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71de9978-b167-44a8-abf9-db40d52902c3

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Cole Assists Royal Canadian Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Conduct At-Sea Transfer of Intercepted Contraband

    Source: United States Navy

    CARIBBEAN SEA – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67), supporting maritime southern border operations, conducted a hold-and-transfer of 245 kilograms of contraband recovered by the Royal Canadian Navy Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel HMCS William Hall (AOPV 433) in the Caribbean Sea June 9. The Reliance-class U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Vigorous (WMEC 627) accepted the contraband from the Cole’s embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) June 11 during a rendezvous at sea in the Caribbean.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Canada to launch the Canada Strong Pass this summer

    Source: Government of Canada News

    OTTAWA – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, will make an announcement on Monday about expanding access to Canada’s cultural and natural treasures this summer.

    Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

    The details are as follows:

    DATE:

    Monday, June 16, 2025

    TIME:

    9:30 a.m.

    Journalists wishing to attend this announcement must confirm their attendance by sending their full name and the name of the media outlet they represent to media@pch.gc.ca by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. Details on how to attend will be provided afterward.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nuclear energy is a risky investment, but that’s no reason for the UK government to avoid it

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Renaud Foucart, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University

    Sizewell B on the UK’s Suffolk coast. Nick Beer/Shutterstock

    The UK government’s investment of around £14 billion in a new nuclear power plant marks a big economic shift for the country’s approach to energy.

    The Sizewell C plant in Suffolk will be the second of a new generation of reactors to be built in the country, after Hinkley Point C in Somerset, which is expected to open in 2031.

    French energy firm EDF is building Hinkley and will probably end up building Sizewell too. But it seems that the British government is finally prepared to take on the considerable financial risk which these projects bring.

    Previously it has preferred to look elsewhere. China, notably, has a longstanding appetite for investment in British infrastructure. (Although in 2022, the UK government bought back China’s stakes in Sizewell C amid geopolitical concerns.)

    But the money has to come from somewhere. And after EDF announced it wanted to limit its participation in Sizewell C – and in particular, exposure to the risk of cost overruns – the UK government has stepped in.

    EDF has has already lost a lot of money building Hinkley Point C. When construction began in 2017, costs were estimated at £18 billion.

    At the time, the UK government agreed to pay a set rate for the electricity produced so the French company could recoup its cost and make a reasonable profit. That price was perceived by some as as extremely high and remains higher than current wholesale prices.

    But as construction costs have more than doubled, the project has generated an estimated loss of around £13 billion for EDF. The company hopes to keep construction costs down this time, after similar costs overruns in projects it completed in France and in Finland.

    But now Sizewell C will only progress because the British government has said it will take on almost all of the financial risk.

    In doing so, the UK is not an outlier. In France, China and South Korea, nuclear power plants are built by state-owned companies. In the US, private companies are waiting for public funding to finance Donald Trump’s dream of a nuclear renaissance.

    And perhaps it’s an expense the state should be willing to take on.

    After all, although nuclear reactors (like solar farms and wind turbines) are expensive to set up, once they are built, the cost of producing electricity is very small.

    And if the long-term goal is to eliminate the need for fossil fuels, it means all electricity will need to come from a mixture of renewables, batteries and nuclear. Electricity could then become much cheaper than it is now.

    But building the means of creating this power comes with varying degrees of risk.

    Solar, for example, is not that risky. Panels are usually imported, there are no major safety concerns, and investors can roughly predict how much sun there will be in a typical year.

    For nuclear energy, production is also predictable. But the time it will take to complete construction of a plant and the associated costs are not.

    Part of this is down to choice. UK regulations around nuclear energy are complex and strict, and other countries build faster and cheaper. This may be why globally, solar power is attracting much more investment than other sources of energy.

    Political energy

    But this does not mean governments should ignore the nuclear option. One of the main reasons governments are useful to society is that they can afford to take risks that private investors cannot, and finance long term innovation.

    This in turn can lead to much greater strategic and geopolitical autonomy. While solar panels and batteries are getting ever cheaper, the vast majority of production is in China.

    Domestic production of nuclear allows for greater diversity in energy sourcing, and arguably from some more predictable partners. The key component, uranium, can be found in large quantities in places like Canada or Australia, or directly reused.

    Research suggests that nuclear energy may be particularly suited to feed the needs of digital datacentres and artificial intelligence.

    Meanwhile, the government also hopes to get small nuclear reactors from domestic producer Rolls Royce which could be built in factories at a much more predictable cost. Russia and China have each already built this kind of reactor.

    Plus there’s £2.5 billion for UK research on nuclear fusion, with the potential to deliver electricity on an unprecedented scale.

    No one knows if fusion will ever be possible. It is the kind of uncertain, incredibly expensive projects (with potentially massive returns) that pretty much no private investor would risk looking at.

    But again, it is the kind of bet only governments can take. For nuclear power, for reasons of scale, risk and uncertainty, is mostly a government business – and ultimately a political choice.

    It will take a long time to know if the decision to spend taxpayers’ money on Sizewell C was the right way to respond to the country’s energy needs. But ending reliance on private or foreign financing for nuclear projects could one day be seen as a positive reaction.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.


    Renaud Foucart 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. Nuclear energy is a risky investment, but that’s no reason for the UK government to avoid it – https://theconversation.com/nuclear-energy-is-a-risky-investment-but-thats-no-reason-for-the-uk-government-to-avoid-it-258645

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Black box of crashed Air India plane found – local media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    NEW DELHI, June 13 (Xinhua) — Aviation authorities have recovered one of the two black boxes from the Air India plane that crashed in the western Indian state of Gujarat, local newspaper Hindustan Times reported.

    The plane, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday afternoon.

    “One of the two black boxes, located in the tail section of the plane, was found and placed under secure guard. The Main Directorate of Civil Aviation will take away equipment to analyze the recordings. The second black box, located in the front section of the plane, has yet to be found,” the newspaper writes, citing a source.

    There were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian on board the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed on the grounds of a medical college, as well as two pilots and 10 flight attendants.

    Air India confirmed on Friday that all 241 people on board were killed in the crash. The sole survivor is being treated in hospital.

    The Air Accident Investigation Bureau of the Indian government is investigating the cause of the incident.

    Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said he spoke with Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran after the crash and expressed his willingness to support the Indian government’s investigation.

    The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft with tail number AI171 fell from a height of about 250 meters after takeoff and crashed on the territory of the medical college, causing serious damage to buildings.

    One person was killed at the college, at least nine were missing and 50 were injured, according to a local medical organization. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA extends its condolences to India following plane crash 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, June 13, 2025

    The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has extended condolences to the government and people of India after a plane that was carrying 242 passengers crashed.

    “The thoughts of the people of South Africa are with the people of India as well as the people of all other countries affected by the crash during this difficult time and extends its sympathy to those families who have lost loved ones,” the department said in a statement.

    This as an India Airlines plane crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. Flight AI171 was en route from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed into a hostel for doctors. 

    It was carrying 242 passengers from various nationalities, and the cause of the crash is still unknown.

    According to the latest reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the scene of the plane crash and met the injured people in the hospital. 

    BBC reported that the sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who sat in seat 11A, is recovering in hospital, with his brother stating he “has no idea how he survived”. 

    The British public service broadcaster stated there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian on the flight. 

    Meanwhile, other reports indicate that at least 290 people are dead as families continue to provide DNA samples to assist in identification victims.

    Former India’s Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who served between 2016 and 2021, was among the passengers on the plane. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Peyto Exploration & Development Corp. Announces Retirement of a Director and Confirms Monthly Dividend for July 15, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Peyto Exploration & Development Corp. (TSX: PEY) (“Peyto”) announces the retirement of Michael (Mick) MacBean as a director and confirms the monthly dividend with respect to June 2025 of $0.11 per common share is to be paid on July 15, 2025, for shareholders of record on June 30, 2025. Dividends paid by Peyto to Canadian residents are eligible dividends for Canadian income tax purposes.

    Mr. MacBean is retiring from the Peyto board, effective June 13, 2025.  On behalf of the board, management and shareholders, we would like to thank Mick for his 20+ years of service, including his previous roles as lead independent director, Chair of the audit committee and most recently as Chair of the compensation committee.  Mick was instrumental in the design and implementation of the new Total Shareholder Return Rights Plan.  Mick’s contributions to Peyto will be greatly missed and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.  

    Shareholders and interested investors are encouraged to visit the Peyto website at www.peyto.com to learn more about what makes Peyto one of North America’s most exciting energy companies. The website also includes a monthly report, which discusses various topics chosen by the President and CEO and includes estimates of monthly capital expenditures and production. For further information please contact:

    Jean-Paul Lachance
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: (403) 261-6081
    Fax: (403) 451-4100
    info@peyto.com

    Certain information set forth in this document, including management’s assessment of Peyto’s future plans and operations, contains forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond these parties’ control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, imprecision of reserve estimates, environmental risks, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Peyto’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Peyto will derive therefrom. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 13 June 2025 Departmental update mRNA Technology Transfer Programme’s Phase 2.0 discussed with partners on the sidelines of G20 Summit

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In parallel with the G20 Health Working Group, global health leaders are coming together in Johannesburg to set the foundation for a new phase of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme – a pioneering initiative transitioning from proof of concept to sustainable, commercially viable manufacturing, while enhancing pandemic preparedness and regional health security.

    Launched in 2021 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), with the support of the Government of South Africa, France, Belgium, Canada, the European Union, Germany and Norway, the Programme has successfully enabled 15 Partners across Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia to receive foundational mRNA technology. Now, it is moving into Phase 2.0 (2026–2030), with the aim of empowering regional manufacturers to scale up commercially sustainable production of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics at Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-grade.

    “The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme is delivering on its promise to build capabilities in low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The Pandemic Agreement adopted by the World Health Assembly also includes legally-binding commitments to strengthen local production. We must now translate those commitments into capacity on the ground, so that when the next pandemic strikes, we meet it more equitably and more effectively.”

    “This is a unique opportunity, driven by the pandemic. The foundations are in place — but without sustained political will, the promise of equitable mRNA access could slip through our fingers.” said Charles Gore, Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool. “What we need now is the courage to build on our investment to date, to align, and to realise the full value and impact of what we started.”

    From technology access to market-ready solutions

    The Programme is moving from focus on technology acquisition to defining how each partner will translate it into real-world impact. Each manufacturer is now focused on developing an economic case for long-term, flexible, and commercially viable manufacturing — with the capacity to produce mRNA vaccines in inter-pandemic periods and pivoting rapidly in response to future health emergencies.

    Product focus areas include:

    • mRNA vaccines – for pandemic and priority diseases (e.g., influenza, TB, HIV, malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis);
    • mRNA therapeutics – such as oncology and monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments; and
    • Biologicals beyond mRNA – including near-term commercial products to support facility viability.

     “We have successfully progressed with the technology transfer to eight Partners — a testament to the strength and openness of this platform,” said Prof. Petro Terblanche, CEO of Afrigen Biologics. “What comes next is even more exciting: Afrigen is on the cusp of receiving GMP accreditation, positioning us not only as a technology originator but as a sustainable manufacturing and innovation partner for the Global South. We will continue to work with local and global partners on the development of new vaccines prioritizing the burden of disease in LMICs.”

    A diversity of models, one global goal

    The Programme’s Phase 2.0 recognises that there is no one-size-fits-all model. Manufacturers will develop tailored business strategies based on national health needs and policy, regulatory maturity and regional market dynamics. Some, like Bio-Manguinhos and Sinergium in Latin America, BioFarma in Indonesia, and Biovac in South Africa, are already piloting investment roadmaps with detailed market, regulatory, and COGS (cost of goods sold) modelling. Others will receive bespoke support to develop their investment cases.

    Crucially, sustainability will depend on country and regional-level procurement commitments, pooled purchasing mechanisms, and cross-border alignment — especially in Africa and Asia, where national markets alone may be insufficient to support GMP-level manufacturing scale.

    “We need to back science with smart policy,” said Dr Mmboneni Muofhe of South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. “This is about creating a new ecosystem for public health security, grounded in regional ownership, long-term strategy and investments.”

    Rising demand meets structural barriers

    While market opportunities for mRNA vaccines and therapeutics are growing — from seasonal influenza and HPV to innovative cancer treatments — the Programme acknowledges structural hurdles:

    • Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy;
    • Shifting donor funding priorities that reduce funding availability;
    • High clinical trial costs; and
    • Need for supportive policies and well-defined procurement pathways.

    The mRNA Programme highlights both the growing interest in regional R&D consortia focused on target diseases of regional relevance like leishmaniasis and malaria, and the drive to advance next-generation technologies focusing on dose sparing, reduced cost of goods and thermostability.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • China tells G7 to stop ‘manipulating’ China issues for its own agenda

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    China warned the Group of Seven advanced economies on Friday against “manipulating” issues related to the world’s second-largest economy for their own agenda, after they accused Beijing of unfair business practices a year earlier.

    Beijing’s criticism of the G7 and what it represents comes amid a surge in global trade tension between the United States and China this year, as well as within the bloc’s membership.

    In remarks ahead of a three-day G7 summit in Canada set to start from Sunday, Lin Jian, a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry, accused the group of having always upheld a Cold War mentality.

    The bloc should “stop interfering in other countries’ internal affairs, stop undermining other countries’ development, (and) stop manipulating issues related to China,” Lin told a regular news conference.

    The G7 provokes conflicts and confrontations, said Lin, adding that such practices were “doomed to fail”.

    In the communique after its 2024 summit in Italy that mentioned China more than 20 times, the G7 said its companies needed to be protected from China’s unfair business practices.

    It also warned of action against Chinese financial institutions that helped Russia obtain weapons for its war in Ukraine.

    The participation of countries beyond the grouping, such as India and Brazil, in last year’s event also irked China, which viewed the move as a bid to sow discord among countries of the Global South.

    New leaders will represent five of the G7’s members – Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan and the United States – at next week’s summit.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Basel Committee publishes framework for voluntary disclosure of climate-related financial risks

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    • The Basel Committee has published a voluntary framework for disclosing climate-related financial risks for jurisdictions to consider.
    • The framework incorporates flexibility to account for evolving climate-related data.
    • The Committee will monitor relevant developments, including implementation of other reporting frameworks and disclosure practices by internationally active banks.

    The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has published today its voluntary framework for the disclosure of climate-related financial risks, which includes both qualitative and quantitative information. The Committee has agreed this framework will be voluntary in nature, with jurisdictions to consider whether to implement it domestically.

    The Committee acknowledges that the accuracy, consistency and quality of climate-related data are evolving, and therefore it is necessary to incorporate a reasonable level of flexibility into the final framework. The Committee also recognises that multiple quantitative metrics and qualitative information may be needed to form a comprehensive picture of banks’ exposure to climate-related financial risks. Users need to consider the disclosures holistically, understanding the strengths and shortcomings of the disclosed information.

    The Committee will monitor relevant developments, including implementation of other reporting frameworks and disclosure practices by internationally active banks in member jurisdictions, and consider whether any revisions to the framework would be warranted in future.


    Note to editors: 

    The Basel Committee is the primary global standard setter for the prudential regulation of banks and provides a forum for cooperation on banking supervisory matters. Its mandate is to strengthen the regulation, supervision and practices of banks worldwide with the purpose of enhancing financial stability. The Committee reports to the Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision and seeks its endorsement for major decisions. The Committee has no formal supranational authority, and its decisions have no legal force. Rather, the Committee relies on its members’ commitments to achieve its mandate. The Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision is chaired by Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada. The Basel Committee is chaired by Erik Thedéen, Governor of Sveriges Riksbank. 

    More information about the Basel Committee is available here.

    MIL OSI Economics