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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Secures a Win for Iowa Farm Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    Published: July 2, 2025
    Ernst-led provision eliminates FAFSA restrictions that limit opportunities for farm kids to attend college.
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) bipartisan Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act that keeps higher education accessible for Iowa farm families has passed the Senate as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill.
    The bill reverses changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process that could reduce or even eliminate access to need-based aid for students of farm families and small business owners. It restores the original guidelines that exempt all farmland, machinery, other operational materials, and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees from being declared on the FAFSA form.
    “After the Biden administration botched the FAFSA rollout at the expense of farm families, I am proud to right that wrong and ensure unfair policies don’t hold Iowans back from investing in their child’s education,” Ernst said. “Reopening pathways to financial aid for rural students in need is yet another way the One Big Beautiful Bill takes a stand for Iowans and ensures the next generation of students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education.”
    Background:
    In the wake of the Biden administration’s botched FAFSA rollout, Ernst consistently stood up for Iowa families to ensure they aren’t left behind when it comes to college aid opportunities. She helped pass the FAFSA Deadline Act into law to give families the certainty they deserve, conducted critical oversight, demanded answers on behalf of agricultural communities, and worked to get input directly from impacted Iowans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi receives Ghana’s highest state honour, “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana”

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was conferred with Ghana’s national honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by President John Dramani Mahama, in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.

    Accepting the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, the Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the aspirations of India’s youth, its cultural traditions and diversity, and the historical ties between Ghana and India.

    PM Modi thanked the people and government of Ghana for this special gesture.

    Noting that the shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to strengthen their partnership, the Prime Minister said the award further deepens the friendship between India and Ghana and places a new responsibility on him to advance bilateral ties. He expressed confidence that his historic State Visit would give fresh momentum to the partnership, the MEA statement added.

    Earlier, Prime Minister Modi announced that India would establish a Skill Development Centre to train youth and support Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme, as part of a broader plan to strengthen ties between the two countries.

    During a joint press briefing with President Mahama, Modi said India would expand cooperation with Ghana in key sectors including agriculture, education, defence, healthcare and digital payments.

    “Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for the vocational education of youth,” Modi said.

    “In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide affordable and reliable healthcare to the citizens of Ghana. We also discussed cooperation in vaccine production,” he added.

    The Prime Minister said India plans to double trade with Ghana within the next five years and share its digital payments system, Bharat UPI, to boost financial connectivity.

    President Mahama welcomed Prime Minister Modi and said the visit reflected the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

    “This visit is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people,” Mahama said.

    This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal New Delhi’s continued engagement with Africa and the Global South.

    (ANI)

     

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Beijing launches city alliance to strengthen global digital economy ties

    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

    BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) — A global alliance involving more than 40 cities was formally launched in Beijing on Wednesday as part of efforts to expand multilateral cooperation on the digital economy.

    The Global Alliance of Digital Economy Cities was launched by Beijing together with partner cities from Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America at the 2025 Global Conference on the Digital Economy, which opened on the same day.

    The Alliance aims to institutionalise multilateral cooperation beyond bilateral projects and will focus on key areas such as digital infrastructure, governance of cross-border data flows, the ethics of artificial intelligence and the application of smart cities.

    Earlier in 2023, Beijing launched the Digital Economy Partnership City Cooperation Initiative, and in 2024, the Chinese capital and partner cities adopted six action plans to implement the initiative. The current alliance was created with the support of international organizations including the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, the International Telecommunication Union, and the International Trade Centre.

    The 2025 Global Conference on Digital Economy will run until July 5, featuring an opening ceremony, six key forums, and a series of thematic sessions, with more than 1,000 participants. The event is jointly organized by the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, the National Internet Information Office of China, the National Data Administration of China, the Xinhua News Agency, and the United Nations Development Programme. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Belarus and Libya Sign Package of Cooperation Documents

    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

    MINSK, July 2 /Xinhua/ – Belarus and Libya signed a package of documents on cooperation on Wednesday following the visit of the Libyan government delegation to Minsk, BelTA reported.

    Among the signed documents is an agreement of intent between the ministries of industry of the two countries. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the Government of National Stability of Libya signed a memorandum of understanding on the development of cooperation in the field of agriculture. A protocol of intent was also signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus and the National Development Agency of Libya.

    In addition, the parties signed a memorandum of intent on cooperation between the Ministry of Education of Belarus and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Government of National Stability of Libya, a protocol of intent on the creation of an emergency prevention and response system in Benghazi, and an action plan for the development of cooperation in the field of healthcare.

    At the end of the signing ceremony of the package of documents, Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin particularly noted that the parties had summed up an important result of the next stage of bilateral work. “I am simply confident that this event will give a serious impetus to further interaction between Belarus and Libya. I am grateful to all my colleagues who worked intensively to ensure that our cooperation continues at such a high level,” said the Prime Minister of Belarus. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Georgia’s External Debt Reaches $25.5 Billion

    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

    Tbilisi, July 2 (Xinhua) — Georgia’s total external debt as of March 31, 2025 reached $25.5 billion, accounting for 74.2 percent of GDP over the past four quarters, the National Bank of Georgia (Central Bank) said on Wednesday.

    In the first quarter of 2025, Georgia’s external debt increased by $300.4 million.

    Of the total, $11 billion is the state debt, of which $8.5 billion is the government debt, $822.8 million are the National Bank’s obligations, $449 million and $1.2 billion are the debt of state-owned enterprises on bonds and loans, respectively.

    According to the Central Bank, 88.6 percent of external debt is denominated in foreign currency. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, EU vow to uphold multilateralism, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation

    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

    BRUSSELS, July 2 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and European Council President Antonio Costa met in Brussels on Wednesday, vowing to uphold multilateralism and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Noting that both the European Union and China are supporters of multilateralism, A. Costa stated the EU’s intention to work together with China to uphold mutual respect, overcome differences, improve mutual understanding and respond to global challenges through joint efforts.

    The EU hopes to work with the Chinese side to ensure the success of the next meeting of EU and Chinese leaders, he said, stressing that the EU will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, for his part said that China regards Europe as one of the important poles of the multipolar world, has consistently supported European integration, and is glad to see the EU strengthening its strategic autonomy and playing an increasingly important role in the international arena.

    According to Wang Yi, China intends to strengthen contacts and coordination with the EU and make preparations for the meeting of the leaders of the two sides.

    The more serious and complex the international situation becomes, the more necessary it is for China and the EU to strengthen solidarity and coordination and resolutely act as stabilizing forces in a turbulent world, the Chinese diplomat stressed, adding that the two sides should respect each other’s core interests in practice, strengthen mutual understanding and mutual trust, and promote mutual success.

    The parties also exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Georgia expelled over 40 foreign citizens for violating migration laws

    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

    Tbilisi, July 2 (Xinhua) — As a result of joint measures carried out by the Migration Department and other units of the Georgian Interior Ministry, 41 foreign citizens were expelled from the country, the press service of the Georgian Interior Ministry reported on Wednesday.

    The expulsion was carried out on the basis of the Georgian Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons. Among those deported were citizens of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, India, Jordan, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Armenia and Zimbabwe. All of them were banned from re-entering the country.

    According to official data, 525 foreign citizens were deported from Georgia between January and June 2025. This is 280 percent more than the same period last year.

    In late June, the Georgian parliament approved a package of legislative amendments aimed at tightening migration policy. The new rules provide for a simplified deportation procedure. Court proceedings will no longer suspend the expulsion process if a visa or residence permit is refused. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The internal problems of the American economy cannot be treated from the outside – Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui

    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

    Moscow, July 2 /Xinhua/ – The US government accuses China of its economy being overly dependent on exports. Under the pretext of “rebalancing,” the US is introducing unilateral tariffs, forcing the world to pay for the structural problems of the US economy. This was stated by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui in an opinion piece for AiF.ru, published on Wednesday.

    “The US demands that China import more US goods, interprets the trade deficit with other countries as ‘all countries in the world are benefiting from America’, and under the pretext of ‘rebalancing’ imposes unilateral tariffs and applies protectionism, forcing China and the world to pay for the long-standing structural problems of the US economy,” writes Zhang Hanhui. “In fact, it is the US economy itself that needs ‘rebalancing’. The US’s attempts to cure internal diseases from the outside and its economic bullying are the main source of chaos leading to global imbalances.”

    According to the Chinese diplomat, the US government has recently been promoting a series of false narratives about “rebalancing the Chinese economy,” “rebalancing trade,” and “rebalancing the global economy.” In fact, China’s investment- and export-driven development model has undergone fundamental changes. A new architecture of economic growth driven by domestic demand and innovation is emerging. China’s dependence on foreign trade has declined from over 60 percent at the beginning of the 21st century to just over 30 percent in 2024. China has been the world’s second-largest import market for 16 years now.

    The US accuses China of “unfair trade”. “This is brazen hypocrisy and double standards,” the article points out. It is the US that abuses export controls against China in high-tech areas. Even if there is an imbalance in Sino-American trade, “the reason is that the US does not want to sell, not that China does not want to buy.”

    “The US-initiated trade war and the ‘rebalancing’ narrative it promotes aim to shift the structural problems of the US economy onto others and hold back the transformation and qualitative improvement of China’s industry,” writes Zhang Hanhui.

    The US economic and financial hegemony is an important cause of the development imbalance, the Chinese ambassador said. The US uses economic coercion, deprives other countries of their right to develop through trade, technology and financial wars, abuses unilateral sanctions and keeps developing countries at the bottom of global value chains, deepening the gap between North and South and worsening the global development environment.

    “China calls on the United States to take an honest look at its own problems, rather than focusing on the so-called trade imbalances with other countries, to jointly and openly overcome global challenges, rather than arbitrarily wield the tariff cudgel, to abandon the arrogance of the “America First” position, and to conduct win-win cooperation based on mutual respect to achieve common development,” emphasized the article by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Dallas arrests illegal alien wanted in home country for organizing an assassination attempt

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DALLAS – Immigration and Customs Enforcement Dallas apprehended Maria Julia Varela, a 36-year-old El Salvadoran national, with connections to MS-13 and Barrio 18 transnational gangs June 30.

    Varela is wanted by law enforcement officials in El Salvador for her role in organizing an assassination attempt.

    “This criminal alien fled El Salvador hoping to evade law enforcement and accountability for an attempt of conspiring to take some one’s life,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Dallas Travis Pickard. “HSI Dallas remains steadfast in ensuring that communities in North Texas are not a refuge for international fugitives. We are dedicated to pursuing those accused of crimes that endanger public safety.”

    HSI Dallas Violent Gangs Task Force assisted by officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigations Dallas, U.S. Marshals, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, and the Internal Revenue Service arrested Varela during the enforcement of HSI’s National Gang surge operation, aligned with the Trump Administration’s Executive Order, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.

    Varela will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the U.S. Varela was first encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in 2016 as a family unit and processed for a notice to appear.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @HSI_Dallas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi holds wide-ranging talks with Ghana President, signs key MoUs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Ghanaian President Dr. John Dramani Mahama in Accra, marking the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in three decades.

    PM Modi was received by President Mahama at Jubilee House, the official residence and office of the Ghanaian President. The two leaders held detailed discussions in restricted and delegation-level formats, agreeing to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.

    During the talks, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial ties between India and Ghana and explored ways to deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.

    PM Modi welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade and the increasing presence of Indian investments in Ghana. The leaders also discussed steps to strengthen defence and security collaboration, as well as development cooperation through India-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects.

    India also offered to share its expertise in health, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and skill development. PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to voicing the concerns of the Global South and thanked Ghana for its continued support on this front. He also expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the care extended to the Indian community of around 15,000 people living in Ghana.

    Both leaders exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including the need for reforms at the United Nations. The Prime Minister thanked President Mahama for his support and solidarity following the recent Pahalgam attack. The two sides agreed to work together to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

    PM Modi also congratulated Ghana on its increasing international profile, including its current term on the UN Human Rights Council and the election of Ghana’s Foreign Minister as the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The leaders reiterated their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development and global peace.

    Following the talks, India and Ghana exchanged four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering Culture, Standards, Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine, and the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism to enhance engagement between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries.

    President Mahama hosted a State Banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi. Thanking him for the warm hospitality, Prime Minister Modi invited President Mahama to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM launches new era for NHS with easier care in neighbourhoods

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM launches new era for NHS with easier care in neighbourhoods

    The Prime Minister launches a new era for the NHS, bringing more easily accessible care closer to home.

    • Prime Minister launches government’s 10 Year Health Plan to bring the NHS closer to home
    • Neighbourhood Health Services to be rolled out across the country, bringing diagnostics, mental health, post-op, rehab, and nursing to people’s doorsteps
    • Neighbourhood health centres will house services under one roof, open at evenings and weekends
    • Plan for Change will rebuild the NHS to train thousands more family doctors, transform hospital outpatient appointments, and provide personalised care plans for complex needs

    Millions of patients will be treated and cared for closer to their home by new teams of health professionals, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will set out today, as the Government’s Plan for Change delivers a brand-new era for the NHS and delivers one of the most seismic shifts in care in the history of the health service.

    The launch of a Neighbourhood Health Service will see pioneering teams, some based entirely under one roof, set up in local communities across the country, to dramatically improve access to the NHS. As part of the Government’s aim to shift care out of hospitals and into the community, they will free up overstrained hospitals from perpetual firefighting so they can focus on delivering only the best, most cutting-edge, and personalised care.

    These neighbourhood health centres will provide easier, more convenient access to a full range of healthcare services right on people’s doorsteps – stopping them from having to make lengthy trip to hospitals. Neighbourhood teams will include staff like nurses, doctors, social care workers, pharmacists, health visitors, palliative care staff, and paramedics. Community health workers and volunteers will play a pivotal role in these teams, and local areas will be encouraged to trial innovative schemes like community outreach door-to-door – to detect early signs of illness and reduce pressure on GPs and A&E.

    Launching the government’s 10 Year Health Plan today, the Prime Minister will set out how moving care from hospitals to the community is one of the three key shifts required to tackle the inherited challenges and neglect of the NHS, make sure it is equipped to look after a modern society, and ensure people feel the change and improvements in healthcare that they voted for.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The NHS should be there for everyone, whenever they need it.

    But we inherited a health system in crisis, addicted to a sticking plaster approach, and unable to face up to the challenges we face now, let alone in the future.

    That ends now. Because it’s reform or die. Our 10 Year Health Plan will fundamentally rewire and future-proof our NHS so that it puts care on people’s doorsteps, harnesses game-changing tech and prevents illness in the first place.

    That means giving everyone access to GPs, nurses, and wider support all under one roof in their neighbourhood – rebalancing our health system so that it fits around patients’ lives, not the other way round.

    This is not an overnight fix, but our Plan for Change is already turning the tide on years of decline with over four million extra appointments, 1,900 more GPs and waiting lists at their lowest level for two years.

    But there’s more to come. This government is giving patients easier, quicker and more convenient care, wherever they live.

    The plan follows Lord Darzi’s diagnosis of the challenges facing the NHS last year where he assessed it was in a ‘critical condition’ as a result of deep rooted issues including low productivity, poor staff morale, a failure to keep up with new technology, rising waiting times, and a deterioration in the health of the nation.

    The PM will set out how the plan will deliver three key shifts to get the NHS back on its feet: hospital to community; analogue to digital; and sickness to prevention. Built around these three principles, the reforms within the plan will deliver the government’s promise to stop rising waiting lists, deliver more convenient care, and tackle inequalities across the country.

    New health centres will house the neighbourhood teams, which will eventually be open 12 hours a day, six days a week within local communities. They will not only bring historically hospital-based services into the community – diagnostics, post-operative care, and rehab – but will also offer services like debt advice, employment support and stop smoking or weight management, all of which will help tackle issues which we know affect people’s health.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Our 10 Year Health Plan will turn the NHS on its head, delivering one of the most fundamental changes in the way we receive our healthcare in history.

    By shifting from hospital to community, we will finally bring down devastating hospital waiting lists and stop patients going from pillar to post to get treated.

    This Government’s Plan for Change is creating an NHS truly fit for the future, keeping patients healthy and out of hospital, with care closer to home and in the home.

    The status quo of ‘hospital by default’ will end, with a new preventative principle that care should happen as locally as it can: digital-by-default, in a patient’s home where possible, in a neighbourhood health centre when needed, in a hospital if necessary. This approach will make access to healthcare more convenient for patients and easier to fit around their day to day lives, rather than disrupting people’s work and personal lives.

    Thousands more GPs will be trained under the 10 Year Health Plan, as the Government lays the groundwork to bring back the family doctor, end the 8am scramble and make it easier to see your GP when you need to instead of having to turn to A&E.

    The government inherited an analogue NHS, reliant on paper and fax machines and out of step with modern technology. The government’s plan will bring it into the digital age, making sure staff benefit from the advantages and efficiencies available from new technology. This includes rolling out groundbreaking new tools over the next two years to support GPs. AI scribes will end the need for clinical notetaking, letter drafting, and manual data entry to free up clinicians’ time to focus on treating patients. Saving just 90 seconds on each GP appointment can save the same time as adding 2,000 more doctors into general practice.

    The Government will also use digital telephony so all phone calls to GP practices are answered quickly. For those who need it, they will get a digital or telephone consultation the same day they request it.

    As it stands, some practices are struggling to keep up with an ageing population and 21st century health needs. New contracts will be introduced which encourage and allow practices to cover a wider geographical area. It means smaller practices in the catchment area will get more support to ensure the right access is in place so that everyone can access their GP when they need to.

    Sir James Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England said:

    The Neighbourhood Health Service is a huge opportunity for us to transform how we deliver care over the next decade – starting right on people’s doorsteps.

    By bringing together a full range of clinicians as one team, we can deliver care that’s more accessible, convenient and better for patients, as well as reducing pressures on hospitals.

    The plan will also deliver on the government’s promise to tackle the current lottery of access to dentists. Dental care professionals will work as part of neighbourhood teams, where Dental therapists could undertake check-ups, treatment, and referrals, while dental nurses could give education and advice to parents or work with schools and community groups. The work therapists cannot do would be safely directed to dentists.

    Under the plan, it will also be a requirement for newly qualified dentists to practice in the NHS for a minimum period, intended to be 3 years.

    Following the government’s work already to roll out supervised toothbrushing for kids, the plan will also improve access to dental care for children, making better use of the wider dental workforce, especially dental therapists, including through a new approach to upskilling professionals to work at the top of their clinical potential beginning in 2026 to 2027. This includes proposals to allow dental nurses to administer fluoride varnish for children in between check-ups, and the greater use of fissure sealants for children – covering back teeth with thin plastic coating to keep germs and food particles out the grooves.

    Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said:

    This is a vital step towards a more preventative, community-based NHS. Bringing care closer to people’s homes through blended neighbourhood health teams recognises the complex and interconnected challenges many patients face, and it is the right direction for both improving outcomes and alleviating pressure on hospitals.   

    In many areas of the country, general practices working at scale through primary care networks and GP Federations, are already partnering alongside other organisations to deliver joined up care. It will be important to build on these positive successes.  

    Delivering on this ambition will require sustained investment in digital and estates, support for the NHS’s workforce, and a commitment to decentralise national control by empowering local leaders to do what is best for their populations. On behalf of our members, we are eager to work with the government to help turn this bold vision into lasting change.

    With the 10 Year Health plan the majority of outpatient care will happen outside of hospitals by 2035, by transforming care in the community. New digital tools will allow GPs to refer patients quicker, and a wider range of services available on people’s doorsteps will mean less need to attend appointments in hospital for ophthalmology, cardiology, respiratory medicine, and mental health.

    As a result of this shift to community, hospitals will be able to focus on patients who need hospital care, and get them seen on time again.

    The government’s Plan for Change is already delivering action to cut waiting lists and fix the foundations of the NHS. Waiting lists are at their lowest level in two years, including the first drop in April for 17 years. An extra 4.2million appointments have been delivered since July – over double the government’s target. 10 new surgical hubs have opened since January, and 1,900 more GPs have been recruited since October.

    ENDS

    Further details:

    • Where neighbourhood health teams have been trialled in England, they have significantly reduced hospital use. In Derby, integrated teams led to 2,300 fewer Category 3 ambulance callouts and 1,400 fewer short hospital stays among the over 65 population within a year.
    • The Institute For Public Policy Research has already called for a neighbourhood NHS – arguing a strong primary care sector has been shown to deliver better health outcomes, fewer hospital and emergency department trips, and more efficient healthcare spending.
    • As well as improving access to care for patients, The move to more care in the community will put the NHS back on the path to long-term financial sustainability. A recent study found that £100 spent on community care could achieve, on average, £131 in hospital savings.
    • Care plans are vital to seamless care within the community, but only 20% of people with a long-term condition have one. Through the 10 Year Health Plan, the Government will set a new standard that, by 2027, 95% of people with complex needs have an agreed personal care plan. All care plans should be co-created with patients. This means neighbourhood teams can tailor care for specific patients, working with them and their loved ones to proactively manage their conditions instead of simply reacting and treating emerging issues as is the case under the current system. This is especially important for people with complex needs who are likely to be managing multiple conditions.
    • Unpaid carers will be actively involved in care planning, with family, friends and carers agreeing decisions about care together where appropriate.

    STAKEHOLDER REACTION

    Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said.  

    A Neighbourhood Health Service is at the heart of the NHS 10 Year Plan and it could be a game-changer for our older population if we get it right.

    For far too long healthcare in the community has been fragmented and hard to access and navigate for older people, so crucial opportunities to nip their emerging health problems in the bud get missed.

    At Age UK we aspire to an NHS that proactively supports older people to stay as well as is possible for as long as possible, and if delivered well the Neighbourhood Health Service really could help achieve it.

    Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive of NHS Providers, said: 

    This plan brings together three key ingredients for success. It provides a renewed focus on what good care will look like for people who depend on the NHS most by investing in GP and new neighbourhood services. 

    It’s a win for patients who will be better informed and empowered to direct their care as never before. 

    And it makes the NHS simpler, ensuring quicker decisions and innovations get to frontline services faster. 

    This is a recipe that offers the prospect of progress where previous plans have faltered. 

    That is a great starting point and all NHS providers will be keen to seize this opportunity to build a better health service that staff, patients and the public are once again proud of.

    Jacob Lant, Chief Executive of National Voices said: 

    The message in today’s plan is clear, for the NHS to thrive services must start to organise themselves around how people and communities actually live their lives.   

    Whether it be through shifting services out of hospitals, making innovative and inclusive use of tech or simply doubling down on getting the basics right, like communicating better with patients, this drive towards user-centred care offers hope for a more efficient and sustainable health service that focuses on patient need and outcomes.   > To ensure no communities are left behind, it is vital that Neighbourhood Health Services look to develop this new offer in partnership with the voluntary sector and the full diversity of citizens that make up the communities they serve.

    Gemma Peters, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

    This vision to bring care closer to home is what both the public and the NHS need. 

    3.5 million people are living with cancer today, rising to 4 million by 2030. Without radical change, the NHS cannot meet this growing demand, or ensure that – whoever you are, wherever you live – you can access the care, support and treatment you need when you need it.

    We welcome the Government’s recognition that we now need to mobilise every part of the NHS, communities and the voluntary sector to make sure this Plan succeeds.

    Macmillan is ready to play our part in delivering this vision and the forthcoming National Cancer Plan to ensure everyone has the world class healthcare they deserve.

    Rachel Power, Chief Executive, the Patients Association said:

    We welcome this ambitious transformation set out in the 10 Year Health Plan that delivers on what we called for: integrated, accessible care that is centred on patients’ real lives. Having new neighbourhood health centres open 12 hours a day, six days a week with multidisciplinary teams and clinical and support services under one roof addresses the reality that health challenges don’t exist in isolation.  

    We’re pleased to see the commitment to training thousands more GPs and look forward to a sustainable workforce strategy to support the delivery of these expanded services, along with clarity on how quickly these centres will be rolled out. We remain committed to ensuring genuine patient partnership underpins the design and delivery of these services, so they truly reflect what patients need in their local communities.

    Dr Jeanette Dickson, Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said:

    The ambition, scale and innovative approaches set out in the 10 Year Health Plan can only be applauded. It promises a lot and properly implemented, offers an opportunity to revolutionise healthcare.

    It’s clearly not just about getting the NHS back on track, but designing a new healthcare system that’s fit for the challenges of today and tomorrow and one that can work for patients, staff and taxpayers alike. The sheer breadth and scale of what’s been set out will take time to fully digest, but the medical royal colleges are keen and ready to help implement the necessary changes to make this bold vision a reality.

    Katharine Jenner, Director, Obesity Health Alliance said:

    This is a positive step towards the healthier future people want. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition that needs long-term support. Crucially, as the Government now rightly recognises, we must also shift to preventing ill health before it starts.

    After years of broken promises, delays and weak voluntary measures, this government must implement their Plan for Change in full this Parliament. Only then we can start to transform our food system – from one that fuels poor health to one that supports good health.

    Real progress means taking mandatory action to tackle the relentless marketing and promotion of unhealthy food, improving access to nutritious options, and making healthy food affordable for everyone, right from the start of life.

    Ravi Gurumurthy, CEO of Nesta, said:

    Nye Bevan’s original vision for the NHS placed prevention at its heart. This plan takes important steps toward realising that ambition. The introduction of a new healthy food standard, alongside ending the sale of cigarettes, are serious interventions that could substantially reduce cases of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other diseases and narrow health inequalities.

    The shift to a neighbourhood health service has the potential to deliver better care within communities and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

     Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of Marie Curie, said: 

    We are pleased to see the Government place the needs of patients at the centre of their Plan to reform the NHS, make clear commitments that will help fix the current crisis in palliative and end of life care for local communities, and set out a clear roadmap for creating an NHS that is fit for the future. 

    We look forward to working with them to ensure that additional NHS funding announced in the Spending Review transforms care in the community for people with a terminal illness.

    Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said:

    You can’t upgrade the nation’s health without tackling cardiovascular disease, one of the UK’s biggest killers.

    Today’s ambitious plan lays the foundation for how we can stop more lives lost too soon to heart disease, prevent more heart attacks and strokes, and help more people live with healthier hearts for longer.

    Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association said:

    The 10,000 NHS pharmacies in England are right in the heart of their communities on high streets, in health centres, close to people’s doorsteps, providing health care and advice to millions every week.

    Pharmacies want to be able to offer better, more joined up care for their communities so they share the Government’s ambition to bring care closer to people.

    It’s important that pharmacies, who already do this work day in day out, are placed at the heart of these plans.

    Investing in pharmacies can create a future where people can drop in for treatment, check ups, medicine reviews, and advice.

    Pharmacies want to work with GPs, social workers and colleagues across the health service to provide better health care, nearer to people’s homes and take pressure off the NHS.

    Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, said:

    The Government’s plan aligns well with the value that pharmacies can bring and will begin to harness the sector’s potential for the benefit of patients, communities and the wider NHS. Research shows that the public already supports playing community pharmacies playing a bigger role in healthcare services, and the sector has a unique ability to break down barriers to care coupled with an astonishingly strong record on efficiency. 

    But before this plan can become a reality, first the Government must deliver on its commitment to build the sustainable funding model that community pharmacy so desperately needs. The millions of people relying on them every day don’t want to lose their local pharmacies to financial collapse, which is something the Government should carefully consider as it seeks to implement its plan.

    This plan is not the end of the road; it’s just the beginning.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kingdom of the Netherlands – Curaçao: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    July 2, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC.

    Curaçao’s economic activity expanded by 5 percent in 2024, as strong tourism performance trickled into the wider economy. Stayover arrivals, growing at double digits, continued to outperform Caribbean peers and carried over to other sectors, including whole trade, real estate, and construction. Mostly related to holiday homes and hotels, construction was further fueled by strong mortgage growth and complemented by a resumption of public investments under the Road Maintenance Plan. Average headline inflation declined to 2.6 percent in 2024 from 3.5 percent in 2023, in line with global oil prices and lower US inflation. Real wages increased for the first time in five years but job creation continued to be dominated by informal construction and tourism-related sectors while formal employment declined. The primary surplus continued its upward trajectory on the back of increased tax collection on goods and services. The current account deficit widened due to higher merchandise imports, mainly related to construction activity.

    The government is pursuing an ambitious agenda to steer a now tourism-led economy, amidst heightened global uncertainty. Mindful of tourism saturation and a decoupling of local living standards, the authorities strive to improve social conditions while generating sustainable and green growth amid safeguarding solid public finances. The near doubling of the tourism footprint within five years brought profound structural shifts to Curaçao’s economy, including the decline in manufacturing and rise in services, lower overall wages, higher informality, and greater reliance on – more regressive – indirect taxation. Policy responses need to shift accordingly. Priorities are rightly focused on upgrading tourist experiences and diversification, improving skills and labor market conditions, and reforming the tax system in an equitable way while addressing social spending pressures. The administration has delivered on a first round of targeted, one-off pension increases this year, continued reforms to contain health costs, expanded investment in education infrastructure, and came closer to its renewables target with the opening of the latest wind park in 2024. The landspakket, a structural reform package agreed with the Netherlands in 2020, continues to guide structural reforms.

    Outlook and Risks

    Growth is projected to moderate to 4 percent in 2025, balancing domestic impulses and heightened global uncertainty, before gradually converging to 2 percent over the medium term. Further expansion of stayover tourism and construction activity will continue to support growth in 2025, along with fiscal expansion driven by higher public investments. Potential negative effects of slowing global demand and heightened uncertainty would dampen tourism flows towards the end of 2025 and 2026. Growth is expected to moderate to 2 percent over the medium term, given saturation in tourism and slower global demand, while public capital spending would be carried forward, including in road infrastructure and the energy value chain. Headline inflation is projected to stabilize at 2.5 percent in 2025, subject to oil price-related uncertainty. Fiscal accounts would remain in surplus, fully compliant with the fiscal rule, allowing the government to partially settle a large bullet loan in 2025 with own liquid reserves, thereby accelerating the impressive downward trajectory of debt. The current account deficit would decline in the medium term but remain elevated.

    Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. External risks include trade policy and investment shocks, which could induce higher inflation and lower external demand, adversely impacting tourism arrivals. Domestic upside risks include faster-than-expected advances in the green hydrogen value chain project and development of other energy sources. On the downside, lower-than-expected disbursements in public investments and delays in infrastructure improvements could set back the expected increase in potential growth from the expansion of hotel capacities. Continued high growth in mortgage credit fueling rising house prices could lead to financial sector as well as household balance sheet vulnerabilities. Buffers include access to favorable refinancing conditions on the Dutch capital market, subject to compliance with the fiscal rule, which grants the island substantial fiscal space, notably for capital and emergency spending.

    Tailoring Fiscal and Structural Policies to a Tourism-led Economy

    Safeguarding Medium-term Fiscal Sustainability

    Reaching the medium-term debt target and further sustaining growth will require weighing the need to boost investments and address social spending pressures while reforming the tax system in an equitable manner.  

    Advancing healthcare reforms is an urgent priority to restore the sector’s financial sustainability and limit medium-term fiscal risks. Annual deficits of the SVB healthcare fund amounted to around 5 percent of GDP over the past years, excluding central government transfers, with an additional 1 percent of GDP annual deficit by the Curaçao Medical Center. Transfers to the latter were recently increased to better cover operating costs and invest in new medical equipment, but the health system’s overall finances remain unsustainable. Curaçao’s health expenses, around 13 percent of GDP, stand out relative to regional peers and surpass the OECD average. Possible efficiency gains on the spending side would include additional volume and price measures for pharmaceuticals, re-evaluation of laboratory service tariffs, further expansion of primary care to contain hospital visits, and improvements in preventive care, with the latter likely to materialize over the longer horizon. Revenue reform options would include a broadening of the contributor base, e.g., via the inclusion of migrant workers, increasing co-payments for higher-income households, allowing for price differentiation for the privately insured, exploring options to charge for add-on services, with a possible secondary, private insurance market for these services, and expanding the potential in medical tourism. 

    The authorities’ plans to adjust pension benefits for lower-income households in a fiscally responsible manner are welcome and should be accompanied by widening the contribution base. Staff welcomes the intention to reassess benefit levels, given the pausing of indexation and a decline in real per capita benefits by 23 percent between 2016 and 2024. Applying inflation indexation to residents’ pensions only would allow for a broadly balanced budget of the old-age pension scheme (before central government transfers). Considerations to providing a supplement for low-income pensioners, which could cost around ½ percent of GDP per year, should be partially financed by broadening the contributor base. Legalizing predominantly young migrant workers and providing incentives for them and their employers to formalize (see below) would increase revenues by about 0.3 percent of GDP. Ensuring longer-term sustainability of social insurances would likely imply tapping general budget resources, which could be expanded with selected measures while avoiding earmarking (see below). Meanwhile, the current draft law to make second-pillar occupational pension plans mandatory would reduce reliance on old-age pensions and increase private savings, which would also help alleviate the sizable current account deficit.

    The authorities envisage the introduction of a VAT while continuing the modernization of the tax authority and improving revenue collection. Given Curaçao’s already significant tax burden and the recent expansion of direct taxation from a pre-pandemic average of 11 percent of GDP to 14 percent of GDP in 2024, plans to design the envisaged VAT reform in a revenue-neutral and equity-enhancing way are welcome. Expanding property taxation on second homes should be prioritized, as well as the purchase and implementation of digital infrastructure to modernize Curaçao’s tax system. Further considerations to introduce a tourism fee (by 2026), end tax holidays on import duties, and adjust permitting fees would lift revenues and contribute to compensating for potential pension increases.

    Further efforts are needed to boost investments and improve government service delivery. While capacity constraints were successfully addressed in the ramp-up of investments in 2024, including by hiring external project managers, capacity in planning and execution must be strengthened further to administer the needed investment increase of 2-3 percent of GDP in the coming years, including via a centralized investment planning unit. Implementing multi-year project budgeting and establishing a transparent procurement system will be critical to improve execution, ensure the efficient allocation of financing resources, and grant space to a gradual inclusion of adaptation investments against damage from sea level rise. Efforts to render health and pension spending as well as goods and services taxation more equitable hinge on improving means-testing and maintaining a state-of-the-art registry for lower-income households.  

    Labor Market Policies to Address Informality and Improve Education

    Informality could be addressed by strengthening incentives for formal work, improving enforcement and monitoring, and tightening eligibility criteria for receiving benefits. Decomposing changes in the formal workforce over the past decade, the strong decline in formal employment was mostly driven by a drop in registered jobs among men, especially in prime working age. Half of this decline cannot be explained by demographics, migration, or unemployment, and is likely attributed to the transition to informality. Tourism and construction sectors offer relatively more opportunities for informal work, making it harder to design the right incentives for formalization. Incentivizing formality, however, is crucial to maintaining government revenues and ensuring social protection for workers, and could be fostered by: facilitating access to education, increasing formal sector productivity, introducing more in-work benefits for workers with incomes between minimum and median wage, and stricter eligibility criteria for monthly assistance, along with strengthening enforcement and monitoring.

    Skill deterioration compounded by population aging is a key drag on long-term potential growth. The 2023 census showed that education levels of new entrants to the labor force are below the level of the pre-retirement cohort, and young employees tend to work in more precarious positions. Ongoing investments in education, in line with landspakket recommendations, including in schools’ physical as well as digital infrastructure, are very welcome. Recent initiatives to attract graduates back to the island, including with tax incentives, and an expedited labor permitting process for high-skill workers are important steps in the right direction. These could be complemented by vocational training to lift the overall skill level and reduce skill mismatches, in line with government’s proposed stimulation package with incentives for employer-led vocational education. Integrating migrants into the workforce would grant them perspectives to grow and invest in their skills.

    Fostering Competitiveness and Diversification

    Bracing for slower growth and mindful of market saturation and the global context, the authorities’ focus is rightly on tourism value added and diversification of source markets. Roads and transportation are among the key bottlenecks of the island, and more public investments are needed to improve the connectivity within the island for tourists to venture out. Public and private investments should also be directed to maritime infrastructure to attract more yacht tourists and move up the tourism value chain. Increasing the number of taxi licenses is welcome and will improve tourist experiences through better mobility. Efforts to tap markets in South America have proven successful, and new flight routes opened from Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, countries with a large consumer base and rising purchasing power.

    Fostering non-tourism sectors in areas of competitive advantage would help build resilience against global shocks and attract additional investments. Building on recent successful reforms to expedite business permits and promote digitalization, more progress is needed to achieve the authorities’ goals as outlined in the National Export Strategy. Curaçao’s connection to a new submarine cable throughout the Caribbean and Miami from 2027 onwards could help expand the island’s data center industry – conditional on sufficient absorption capacity of the electricity grid and a moderation in electricity prices, which remain among the highest in the region. Planned investments in the grid by Aqualectra would be supported by funding from the Netherlands and provide the basis for lifting renewables electricity production to 70 percent by 2027 from around 50 percent currently. The envisaged floating offshore wind park of 3-10 GW would help cover Curaçao’s entire electricity demand and create new export opportunities, in addition to exploratory investments in other energy sources.

    In the presence of global uncertainty, diversification of trade as well as regional integration are key for mitigating Curaçao’s exposure to external shocks. Curaçao’s imports remain concentrated on advanced markets, providing ample room to expand goods imports from neighboring countries, such as Brazil and Colombia. As a new associate CARICOM member and acknowledging limitation of independent trade policy given Kingdom laws, Curaçao should continue strengthening regional cooperation and trade integration with neighboring states.

    The authorities’ commitment to lower corruption vulnerabilities are welcome. The online gaming law has been approved by parliament in end-2024, an important step towards meeting the landspakket’s rule of law target. Curaçao’s recent accession to the UN Convention Against Corruption and delisting from the EU grey list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, following key legal updates in 2024, is another step in the right direction and opens doors for further international cooperation and bilateral tax treaties, as pursued by the authorities. The mutual evaluations of the AML/CFT frameworks for both Curaçao and Sint Maarten are underway, with results expected to be published in mid-July 2025.

    The Monetary Union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten

    The external balance of the Union is expected to improve, following a mild deterioration in 2024. The Union’s current account deficit widened to around 17 percent of GDP in 2024 driven by higher imports, mainly related to construction on Curaçao, and despite strong growth in tourism receipts. Going forward, stronger travel receipts, moderation in construction-related imports, and an increase in renewables would support a contraction of the Union’s current account deficit towards 10 percent of GDP in the medium term. The deficit will continue to be financed by private investment inflows and decumulation of assets abroad. The stock of international reserves would remain broadly stable and adequate over the medium term. Given still sizable deficits and a sustained real effective exchange rate appreciation, staff’s preliminary assessment suggests that the external position in 2024 was weaker than the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policies in Curaçao and broadly in line in Sint Maarten, albeit subject to high uncertainty given persistent measurement biases. The assessment for the Union is the same as for Curaçao due to its larger size and current account deficits.

    The monetary policy stance is appropriate and continues to support the peg. Following developments in the US, the CBCS cut its benchmark pledging rate by a cumulative 100 basis points in September and November 2024 to 4.75 percent, and has kept it unchanged since then, in line with the pegged exchange rate regime. Transmission to banking sector interest rates continues to be weak, as deposit rates stayed broadly constant throughout the recent tightening and easing cycles, with a mild uptick in late 2023 driven by time deposits, and Union lending rates declined between 2018 and end 2024. Excess liquidity is the key impediment to the transmission, further exacerbated by the absence of interbank and government securities markets.

    With lending rates declining, credit growth has accelerated, entirely driven by mortgages in Curaçao. Mortgage credit in the union, the second highest in the Caribbean, has been growing by double digits in real terms post pandemic, while real overall credit growth has been negative. Driven by Curaçao, mortgages are expected to remain on an upward trajectory, including financing for the construction of second homes and vacation rental apartments. In Sint Maarten, on the contrary, mortgage credit growth turned negative in 2024, possibly reflecting delays in construction projects and cross-border financing on the French side. With the islands’ financial sectors predominantly financing tourism-related activities, credit to non-tourism sectors is declining in real terms.

    The financial sector is broadly sound and systemic risks are contained, but mortgage growth needs to be monitored closely while a macroprudential toolkit is further developed. Banks are well capitalized, among the highest in the region, but both NPLs and provisioning remain weaker than the CBCS early warning signal – and with respect to peers. Liquidity is abundant and has further increased, but the Union’s banks are somewhat less profitable than the Caribbean median and concentration remains high. Closely monitoring mortgage growth to detect overheating in the real estate sector and possible vulnerabilities in household balance sheets should become a priority, in particular given continued data gaps. Overcoming these gaps and further developing a macroprudential toolkit towards the introduction of CCyBs, and thresholds for the loan-to-value and debt-service-to-income ratios are warranted to detect vulnerabilities and ensure timely response to potential shocks. Caps on mortgage credit growth or mortgage loan exposure could be applied should the positive mortgage credit gap widen further.

    The IMF mission would like to thank the authorities for their cooperation and the candid and constructive discussions that took place during June 18-25.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Reah Sy

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/07/02/07022025-curacao-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-article-iv

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Market sounding on toll road concessions to begin

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Market soundings with international and local toll road investors, operators and financiers will begin next week as the next step in exploring how toll concessions could help fund, build and operate important road infrastructure, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. 
    “The Government is focused on improving high-quality road infrastructure to boost economic growth and ensure people and freight can travel efficiently and safely. To accelerate the delivery of vital transport projects, we’re looking into alternative funding and financing methods, including the use of toll concessions.
    “New Zealand currently has three toll roads in operation in Auckland and Tauranga, with three more in various stages of construction or planning. The Government has also set expectations in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 that other roads are considered for tolling in future, including all future Roads of National Significance. 
    “Although existing toll roads are currently managed by the NZ Transport Agency, the Government is, for the first time, considering private sector involvement in the operation of toll roads. This includes the potential use of toll concessions as part of a broader approach to infrastructure delivery.
    “A toll concession involves a private entity—known as a concessionaire—being given the right to manage and maintain a toll road for a specified time. During this period, they collect toll revenue to recover costs and earn a return. In exchange, the Government receives an upfront capital payment which can be used to fund additional road projects and potentially deliver them years earlier than would otherwise be feasible.
    “Concessions may apply to existing toll roads to operate and maintain a road, or be integrated into the development of new roading infrastructure. In the latter case, a private partner could be contracted to design, construct, operate, and maintain the road, and recoup operations and maintenance costs through toll collection.
    “There are several advantages to toll concessions: they can provide immediate capital that can be used to deliver more infrastructure projects sooner, draw on private sector expertise and innovation in areas like construction and tolling technology, and can help government to share and manage risks more efficiently.
    “It is important to note that the Crown continues to own the toll road under a concession arrangement. The private operator manages the road for the duration of the concession, after which control reverts back to a government agency.
    “Next week, my officials will begin market sounding discussions with toll road investors, operators and financiers to test opportunities for private firms to operate and maintain toll roads through concessions. The officials will meet with a cross-section of market participants – from international toll road operators to domestic and international investors and iwi – to get a range of perspectives on the opportunities available. If work on concessions is taken forward, there will be wider opportunities to be involved in any transactions stage.
    “Market sounding discussions will give us deeper insight into whether toll road concessions are viable here, under what circumstances, and the different ways they could be structured and phased. 
    “The Government will test concession opportunities on:

    New Zealand’s existing three toll roads – the Northern Gateway in Auckland, and Takitimu Drive and Tauranga Eastern Link in Tauranga
    Three roads in development that Cabinet has confirmed will be tolled – Penlink, Takitimu North Link, and Ōtaki to North of Levin
    All future Roads of National Significance

    “Officials will also seek to understand the extent to which concessions could support private investment and involvement in delivering other future projects beyond the immediate RoNS programme, including an alternative Waitematā Harbour crossing, where the significant scale of such projects and investment needed means different delivery approaches may deliver greater value for New Zealanders. 
    “The Ministry of Transport has appointed global investment bank, Citi, as its financial and commercial advisor to support this market sounding process. 
    “Citi has extensive experience advising on toll road concessions overseas and we’re pleased to have access to their expertise, connections and insights to ensure we run a high calibre market sounding process.
    “The insights we get from the market sounding will inform my decisions about whether and how to take toll concessions forward, including which ones are viable and have value. I look forward to hearing what the market has to say,” Mr Bishop says. 
    The Government expects to make decisions on toll road concessions later this year. 
    Notes to editor:
    ·         Exploring toll concessions gives effect to the National-ACT coalition agreement to institute long-term city and regional infrastructure deals, allowing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), tolling and value capture rating to fund infrastructure.
    ·         Market sounding discussions will start in the week of 7 July 2025, with discussions being held in Sydney, Wellington and Auckland until late July 2025. 
    ·         The market sounding process is being led by the Ministry of Transport and National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited (NIFFCo), with input from the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Treasury. Global investment bank, Citi, is acting as the Ministry of Transport’s financial and commercial advisor for the market sounding process. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Market sounding on toll road concessions to begin

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Market soundings with international and local toll road investors, operators and financiers will begin next week as the next step in exploring how toll concessions could help fund, build and operate important road infrastructure, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. 
    “The Government is focused on improving high-quality road infrastructure to boost economic growth and ensure people and freight can travel efficiently and safely. To accelerate the delivery of vital transport projects, we’re looking into alternative funding and financing methods, including the use of toll concessions.
    “New Zealand currently has three toll roads in operation in Auckland and Tauranga, with three more in various stages of construction or planning. The Government has also set expectations in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 that other roads are considered for tolling in future, including all future Roads of National Significance. 
    “Although existing toll roads are currently managed by the NZ Transport Agency, the Government is, for the first time, considering private sector involvement in the operation of toll roads. This includes the potential use of toll concessions as part of a broader approach to infrastructure delivery.
    “A toll concession involves a private entity—known as a concessionaire—being given the right to manage and maintain a toll road for a specified time. During this period, they collect toll revenue to recover costs and earn a return. In exchange, the Government receives an upfront capital payment which can be used to fund additional road projects and potentially deliver them years earlier than would otherwise be feasible.
    “Concessions may apply to existing toll roads to operate and maintain a road, or be integrated into the development of new roading infrastructure. In the latter case, a private partner could be contracted to design, construct, operate, and maintain the road, and recoup operations and maintenance costs through toll collection.
    “There are several advantages to toll concessions: they can provide immediate capital that can be used to deliver more infrastructure projects sooner, draw on private sector expertise and innovation in areas like construction and tolling technology, and can help government to share and manage risks more efficiently.
    “It is important to note that the Crown continues to own the toll road under a concession arrangement. The private operator manages the road for the duration of the concession, after which control reverts back to a government agency.
    “Next week, my officials will begin market sounding discussions with toll road investors, operators and financiers to test opportunities for private firms to operate and maintain toll roads through concessions. The officials will meet with a cross-section of market participants – from international toll road operators to domestic and international investors and iwi – to get a range of perspectives on the opportunities available. If work on concessions is taken forward, there will be wider opportunities to be involved in any transactions stage.
    “Market sounding discussions will give us deeper insight into whether toll road concessions are viable here, under what circumstances, and the different ways they could be structured and phased. 
    “The Government will test concession opportunities on:

    New Zealand’s existing three toll roads – the Northern Gateway in Auckland, and Takitimu Drive and Tauranga Eastern Link in Tauranga
    Three roads in development that Cabinet has confirmed will be tolled – Penlink, Takitimu North Link, and Ōtaki to North of Levin
    All future Roads of National Significance

    “Officials will also seek to understand the extent to which concessions could support private investment and involvement in delivering other future projects beyond the immediate RoNS programme, including an alternative Waitematā Harbour crossing, where the significant scale of such projects and investment needed means different delivery approaches may deliver greater value for New Zealanders. 
    “The Ministry of Transport has appointed global investment bank, Citi, as its financial and commercial advisor to support this market sounding process. 
    “Citi has extensive experience advising on toll road concessions overseas and we’re pleased to have access to their expertise, connections and insights to ensure we run a high calibre market sounding process.
    “The insights we get from the market sounding will inform my decisions about whether and how to take toll concessions forward, including which ones are viable and have value. I look forward to hearing what the market has to say,” Mr Bishop says. 
    The Government expects to make decisions on toll road concessions later this year. 
    Notes to editor:
    ·         Exploring toll concessions gives effect to the National-ACT coalition agreement to institute long-term city and regional infrastructure deals, allowing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), tolling and value capture rating to fund infrastructure.
    ·         Market sounding discussions will start in the week of 7 July 2025, with discussions being held in Sydney, Wellington and Auckland until late July 2025. 
    ·         The market sounding process is being led by the Ministry of Transport and National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited (NIFFCo), with input from the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Treasury. Global investment bank, Citi, is acting as the Ministry of Transport’s financial and commercial advisor for the market sounding process. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHILADELPHIA – Governor Shapiro Announces Major New Private Sector Investment to Expand Shipbuilding at Philadelphia Navy Yard

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    July 03, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA

    ADVISORY – PHILADELPHIA – Governor Shapiro Announces Major New Private Sector Investment to Expand Shipbuilding at Philadelphia Navy Yard

    Governor Josh Shapiro will join Rhoads Industries to announce a major new private sector investment in the company’s manufacturing operations at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

    Governor Shapiro and his Administration have secured $25.2 billion in private sector investments over the last two years, growing Pennsylvania’s economy and creating nearly 11,000 jobs across the Commonwealth.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Dan Rhoads, CEO, Rhoads Industries
    Joe Welsh, Director of Government Affairs, Rhoads Industries
    Boots Olson, Apprentice, Rhoads Industries

    WHEN:
    Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 10:30 AM

    The press conference will begin around 11:00 AM.
    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Legislation Declaring U.S. Businesses Independent from EU Regulations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at declaring U.S. companies independent from burdensome foreign regulations, particularly targeting the European Union’s (EU) Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

    Protect U.S. Companies from Foreign Regulatory Taxation Act

    Congressman Scott Fitzgerald introduced the Protect U.S. Companies from Foreign Regulatory Taxation Act, a bill to shield American companies from having to comply with certain foreign digital market regulations, including the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

    “Foreign countries have tried to take advantage of U.S. businesses by implementing tariff-like regulations, such as the EU’s Digital Markets Act, to appropriate the U.S. tax base for their own benefit. This threatens American innovation, weakens the U.S economy, and harms consumers worldwide,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “Congress and the Trump Administration should resoundingly condemn these regulations and support U.S. companies against these discriminatory acts by the EU and other foreign countries who seek to replicate their model.”

    “Addressing the negative effects of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) on small businesses has been a priority for the App Association,” said Morgan Reed, President of ACT | The App Association. “We are grateful for Chairman Fitzgerald and Congress’ willingness to take action and their support for the U.S. Trade Representative’s actions to address the anti-competitive DMA and any future digital regulations through ongoing trade negotiations. The DMA is hamstringing small tech companies in the U.S. and EU. In taking aim at big tech, it is causing untold collateral damage on App Association members and other small tech companies that rely on the global reach of curated online marketplaces.”

    Background: Under the Digital Markets Act, “gatekeeper” companies, as designated by the European Commission, must comply with certain requirements or face fines as high as 10% of global annual revenue, or 20% for repeat violations. According to the European Commission, the main objective of this regulation is to regulate the behavior of the so-called “Big Tech” firms within the European Market. But the DMA appears to unfairly target only American companies.

    The severe fines serve as a de facto tax on American companies, resulting in decreased innovation and fewer American jobs. According to one recent report, this tax could lead to a loss of $325 billion in R&D investments across the largest U.S. tech companies. In addition to the European Union, countries like South Korea, Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom have begun enacting proposals to regulate conduct by U.S. tech companies.

    Read the bill text here.

    Prevent Regulatory Overreach from Turning Essential Companies into Targets Act of 2025 (PROTECT USA Act of 2025)

    Congressman Scott Fitzgerald introduced the Prevent Regulatory Overreach from Turning Essential Companies into Targets Act of 2025 (PROTECT USA Act of 2025), legislation that would shield U.S. companies from the EU’s harmful extraterritorial regulations specifically by prohibiting certain U.S. companies from complying with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

    “The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive is a direct threat to U.S. companies and their workers,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “These extraterritorial regulations burden American businesses with foreign mandates they didn’t vote for and can’t challenge. My bill protects U.S. companies from becoming collateral damage in the EU’s ESG agenda.”

    “The European Union is effectively trying to export its failed energy policies by imposing the CSDDD on American businesses, including oil and natural gas producers,” said API Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Amanda Eversole. “We thank Rep. Fitzgerald for introducing legislation to protect American interests from extra-territorial regulations that threaten U.S. competitiveness, hurt consumers and put American businesses at a disadvantage in the global market.”

    Background: In May 2024, the EU adopted CSDDD, which converts a range of international conventions into binding laws enforceable on American companies. This directive would capture a large number of U.S.-based companies, particularly those in “high-impact sectors”, including, but not limited to, textiles, agriculture, fuels, and chemicals. Companies operating within these industries would be subject to the rule if their EU revenues reach a threshold of €450 million among other factors.

    CSDDD not only requires disclosure but also mandates the identification, mitigation, and resolution of adverse environmental and social impacts as well as requires U.S. companies to implement “net zero” carbon emissions targets and a Paris-aligned climate transition plan. This places U.S. companies in a position where they must force their U.S.-based suppliers and customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, irrespective of the economic consequences. In addition to imposing severe financial penalties for violations, the rule indirectly harms small and medium-sized businesses by requiring large companies to police their suppliers for compliance with ESG standards.

    Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

    Read the bill text here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi, Ghana President Agree to Deepen Ties, Sign Four MoUs During Historic Visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Ghanaian President Dr. John Dramani Mahama in Accra, marking the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in three decades.

    PM Modi was received by President Mahama at Jubilee House, the official residence and office of the Ghanaian President. The two leaders held detailed discussions in restricted and delegation-level formats, agreeing to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.

    During the talks, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial ties between India and Ghana and explored ways to deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.

    PM Modi welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade and the increasing presence of Indian investments in Ghana. The leaders also discussed steps to strengthen defence and security collaboration, as well as development cooperation through India-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects.

    India also offered to share its expertise in health, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and skill development. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to voicing the concerns of the Global South and thanked Ghana for its continued support on this front. He also expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the care extended to the Indian community of around 15,000 people living in Ghana.

    Both leaders exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including the need for reforms at the United Nations. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Mahama for his support and solidarity following the recent Pahalgam attack. The two sides agreed to work together to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

    PM Modi also congratulated Ghana on its increasing international profile, including its current term on the UN Human Rights Council and the election of Ghana’s Foreign Minister as the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The leaders reiterated their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development and global peace.

    Following the talks, India and Ghana exchanged four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering Culture, Standards, Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine, and the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism to enhance engagement between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries.

    President Mahama hosted a State Banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi. Thanking him for the warm hospitality, Prime Minister Modi invited President Mahama to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

  • PM Modi, Ghana President Agree to Deepen Ties, Sign Four MoUs During Historic Visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Ghanaian President Dr. John Dramani Mahama in Accra, marking the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in three decades.

    PM Modi was received by President Mahama at Jubilee House, the official residence and office of the Ghanaian President. The two leaders held detailed discussions in restricted and delegation-level formats, agreeing to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.

    During the talks, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial ties between India and Ghana and explored ways to deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.

    PM Modi welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade and the increasing presence of Indian investments in Ghana. The leaders also discussed steps to strengthen defence and security collaboration, as well as development cooperation through India-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects.

    India also offered to share its expertise in health, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and skill development. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to voicing the concerns of the Global South and thanked Ghana for its continued support on this front. He also expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the care extended to the Indian community of around 15,000 people living in Ghana.

    Both leaders exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including the need for reforms at the United Nations. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Mahama for his support and solidarity following the recent Pahalgam attack. The two sides agreed to work together to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

    PM Modi also congratulated Ghana on its increasing international profile, including its current term on the UN Human Rights Council and the election of Ghana’s Foreign Minister as the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The leaders reiterated their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development and global peace.

    Following the talks, India and Ghana exchanged four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering Culture, Standards, Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine, and the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism to enhance engagement between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries.

    President Mahama hosted a State Banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi. Thanking him for the warm hospitality, Prime Minister Modi invited President Mahama to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Five Bills into Law

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JULY 2, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed five pieces of legislation into law: Senate Bills (SB) 28 and 396, and House Bills (HB) 105, 169, and 974.

    “Today, we were proud to sign five bills that will benefit businesses and local governments across our state,” said Governor Kehoe. “Thank you to the men and women of the General Assembly for sending many pieces of quality legislation to my desk this session. We look forward to signing even more legislation that improves the lives of Missourians next week.”

    SB 28, sponsored by Senator Jason Bean and Representative Donnie Brown, modifies provisions relating to transportation.

    • Adds retired law enforcement and judicial members to the confidential motor vehicle and drivers licensing records statute.
    • Requires motor vehicle sales taxes to be paid before a temporary tag can be issued. This now includes transactions between individuals and through out-of-state dealers.
      • The effective date of this is delayed until the Missouri Department of Revenue’s (DOR) Motor Vehicle and Driver License System is completed.
    • Modifies specialty license plate provisions, including creating a new United States Space Force military specialty license plate.
    • Places vehicle, boat, and powersports dealers on a level playing field in regards to the fees they are required to remit to DOR.

    SB 396, sponsored by Senator Ben Brown and Representative Brad Banderman, authorizes the board of trustees of a consolidated public library district to change the dates of the fiscal year.

    • Allows the board of trustees of a consolidated library district to select a different fiscal year structure than the state fiscal year calendar.

    HB 105, sponsored Representative Jeff Vernetti and Senator Mike Bernskoetter, authorizes the conveyance of certain state property.

    • Outlines the deed property language for the conveyance of the Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to the city of Osage Beach, giving Osage Beach more freedom and flexibility to make improvements without grant funding.
    • Conveys two tracts of land from the site of the former Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A Headquarters located in Lee’s Summit. The land will be conveyed from the State of Missouri to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the purpose of a new intersection, allowing the outer roads and city streets to be received by Lee’s Summit once the new bridge and intersection is completed.
    • Outlines the deed property language for conveying a tract of land in Webster County from the State of Missouri to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, allowing for improvements to increase road safety by reducing conflict points, decreasing congestion, and replacing aging infrastructure.

    HB 169, sponsored by Representative Donnie Brown and Senator Jason Bean, modifies provisions relating to cotton trailers.

    • Redefines “cotton trailers,” increasing the allowed maximum speed to 70 MPH from 40 MPH.
    • Updates specific hauling requirements for cotton trailers to align with modern technological advancements.

    HB 974, sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy and Senator Sandy Crawford, establishes provisions relating to insurance for certain uses of motor vehicles.

    • Implements the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model language related to cyber security standards on insurance companies, aimed at protecting consumer data.
    • Implements the National Council of Insurance Legislators model language related to peer-to-peer driving rental services.

    For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Urges Evers to Act Quickly to Align State Budget with Federal Healthcare Provisions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) sent a letter to Governor Tony Evers urging him to promptly sign the Wisconsin FY 2025-27 state budget into law. The state budget includes an increase to the state provider tax rate, which must be in effect prior to the signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

    For nearly a decade, Wisconsin’s provider tax rate has not been updated from 1.7%. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will allow non-Medicaid expansion states, like Wisconsin, with provider tax rates of up to 6% to remain untouched. In order for Wisconsin to fully capitalize on the Medicaid benefits in the bill, it is imperative the governor sign the state budget into law as soon as possible.

    “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of signing the proposed state budget into law without delay. As you are aware, timely enactment is especially critical this year due to the proposed increase in the state provider tax, which must be effectuated before the anticipated signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill on or around July 4, 2025,” Rep. Van Orden stated in the letter.

    The congressman continued, “Delaying the state budget enactment beyond July 3rd risks losing vital opportunities for the state’s healthcare system and the Wisconsinites who rely on it. Healthcare and rural healthcare, in particular, is vital to us in Wisconsin. We cannot leave anything on the table. Please act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline.”

    “I came to Washington to fight for those in rural Wisconsin. By voting for this bill, I will be doing just that, and I am looking forward to working with our state senators, assembly members, and you to make sure our fellow Wisconsinites cannot just survive but thrive.”

    To read the full letter, click here or scroll below.

     

    The Honorable Tony Evers

    Governor of Wisconsin

    115 East Capitol

    Madison, WI 53702

    July 2, 2025

    Dear Governor Evers,

    I wanted to send you a follow up note from our conversation yesterday.

    I cannot emphasize enough the importance of signing the proposed state budget into law without delay. As you are aware, timely enactment is especially critical this year due to the proposed increase in the state provider tax, which must be effectuated before the anticipated signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill on or around July 4, 2025.

    This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I implore you to put politics aside, and our neighbors first.

    The One Big Beautiful Bill will have a profoundly beneficial impact on Wisconsinites from all socioeconomic backgrounds by ensuring that Badger Care, in its current form and scope, remains solvent into the future and bolstering our rural healthcare systems.

    Wisconsin will immediately receive a $500,000,000 plus up for rural healthcare infrastructure, and an additional billion dollars annually for healthcare in our great state.

    Additionally, this bill protects SNAP for those most in need, prevents a 25% tax hike on Wisconsin families, makes the Small Business Deduction permanent and increases it to 23%, and removes the Death Tax so our farmers can pass their land onto the next generation.

    Delaying the state budget enactment beyond July 3rd risks losing vital opportunities for the state’s healthcare system and the Wisconsinites who rely on it. Healthcare and rural healthcare, in particular, is vital to us in Wisconsin. We cannot leave anything on the table. Please act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline.

    I came to Washington to fight for those in rural Wisconsin. By voting for this bill, I will be doing just that, and I am looking forward to working with our state senators, assembly members, and you to make sure our fellow Wisconsinites cannot just survive but thrive.

    Forward!

    All the best,

    Derrick Van Orden

    Member of Congress

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Urges Evers to Act Quickly to Align State Budget with Federal Healthcare Provisions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) sent a letter to Governor Tony Evers urging him to promptly sign the Wisconsin FY 2025-27 state budget into law. The state budget includes an increase to the state provider tax rate, which must be in effect prior to the signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

    For nearly a decade, Wisconsin’s provider tax rate has not been updated from 1.7%. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will allow non-Medicaid expansion states, like Wisconsin, with provider tax rates of up to 6% to remain untouched. In order for Wisconsin to fully capitalize on the Medicaid benefits in the bill, it is imperative the governor sign the state budget into law as soon as possible.

    “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of signing the proposed state budget into law without delay. As you are aware, timely enactment is especially critical this year due to the proposed increase in the state provider tax, which must be effectuated before the anticipated signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill on or around July 4, 2025,” Rep. Van Orden stated in the letter.

    The congressman continued, “Delaying the state budget enactment beyond July 3rd risks losing vital opportunities for the state’s healthcare system and the Wisconsinites who rely on it. Healthcare and rural healthcare, in particular, is vital to us in Wisconsin. We cannot leave anything on the table. Please act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline.”

    “I came to Washington to fight for those in rural Wisconsin. By voting for this bill, I will be doing just that, and I am looking forward to working with our state senators, assembly members, and you to make sure our fellow Wisconsinites cannot just survive but thrive.”

    To read the full letter, click here or scroll below.

     

    The Honorable Tony Evers

    Governor of Wisconsin

    115 East Capitol

    Madison, WI 53702

    July 2, 2025

    Dear Governor Evers,

    I wanted to send you a follow up note from our conversation yesterday.

    I cannot emphasize enough the importance of signing the proposed state budget into law without delay. As you are aware, timely enactment is especially critical this year due to the proposed increase in the state provider tax, which must be effectuated before the anticipated signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill on or around July 4, 2025.

    This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I implore you to put politics aside, and our neighbors first.

    The One Big Beautiful Bill will have a profoundly beneficial impact on Wisconsinites from all socioeconomic backgrounds by ensuring that Badger Care, in its current form and scope, remains solvent into the future and bolstering our rural healthcare systems.

    Wisconsin will immediately receive a $500,000,000 plus up for rural healthcare infrastructure, and an additional billion dollars annually for healthcare in our great state.

    Additionally, this bill protects SNAP for those most in need, prevents a 25% tax hike on Wisconsin families, makes the Small Business Deduction permanent and increases it to 23%, and removes the Death Tax so our farmers can pass their land onto the next generation.

    Delaying the state budget enactment beyond July 3rd risks losing vital opportunities for the state’s healthcare system and the Wisconsinites who rely on it. Healthcare and rural healthcare, in particular, is vital to us in Wisconsin. We cannot leave anything on the table. Please act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline.

    I came to Washington to fight for those in rural Wisconsin. By voting for this bill, I will be doing just that, and I am looking forward to working with our state senators, assembly members, and you to make sure our fellow Wisconsinites cannot just survive but thrive.

    Forward!

    All the best,

    Derrick Van Orden

    Member of Congress

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Urges Evers to Act Quickly to Align State Budget with Federal Healthcare Provisions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) sent a letter to Governor Tony Evers urging him to promptly sign the Wisconsin FY 2025-27 state budget into law. The state budget includes an increase to the state provider tax rate, which must be in effect prior to the signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

    For nearly a decade, Wisconsin’s provider tax rate has not been updated from 1.7%. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will allow non-Medicaid expansion states, like Wisconsin, with provider tax rates of up to 6% to remain untouched. In order for Wisconsin to fully capitalize on the Medicaid benefits in the bill, it is imperative the governor sign the state budget into law as soon as possible.

    “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of signing the proposed state budget into law without delay. As you are aware, timely enactment is especially critical this year due to the proposed increase in the state provider tax, which must be effectuated before the anticipated signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill on or around July 4, 2025,” Rep. Van Orden stated in the letter.

    The congressman continued, “Delaying the state budget enactment beyond July 3rd risks losing vital opportunities for the state’s healthcare system and the Wisconsinites who rely on it. Healthcare and rural healthcare, in particular, is vital to us in Wisconsin. We cannot leave anything on the table. Please act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline.”

    “I came to Washington to fight for those in rural Wisconsin. By voting for this bill, I will be doing just that, and I am looking forward to working with our state senators, assembly members, and you to make sure our fellow Wisconsinites cannot just survive but thrive.”

    To read the full letter, click here or scroll below.

     

    The Honorable Tony Evers

    Governor of Wisconsin

    115 East Capitol

    Madison, WI 53702

    July 2, 2025

    Dear Governor Evers,

    I wanted to send you a follow up note from our conversation yesterday.

    I cannot emphasize enough the importance of signing the proposed state budget into law without delay. As you are aware, timely enactment is especially critical this year due to the proposed increase in the state provider tax, which must be effectuated before the anticipated signing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill on or around July 4, 2025.

    This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I implore you to put politics aside, and our neighbors first.

    The One Big Beautiful Bill will have a profoundly beneficial impact on Wisconsinites from all socioeconomic backgrounds by ensuring that Badger Care, in its current form and scope, remains solvent into the future and bolstering our rural healthcare systems.

    Wisconsin will immediately receive a $500,000,000 plus up for rural healthcare infrastructure, and an additional billion dollars annually for healthcare in our great state.

    Additionally, this bill protects SNAP for those most in need, prevents a 25% tax hike on Wisconsin families, makes the Small Business Deduction permanent and increases it to 23%, and removes the Death Tax so our farmers can pass their land onto the next generation.

    Delaying the state budget enactment beyond July 3rd risks losing vital opportunities for the state’s healthcare system and the Wisconsinites who rely on it. Healthcare and rural healthcare, in particular, is vital to us in Wisconsin. We cannot leave anything on the table. Please act swiftly to sign the budget and secure the provider tax increase in time to meet this critical federal deadline.

    I came to Washington to fight for those in rural Wisconsin. By voting for this bill, I will be doing just that, and I am looking forward to working with our state senators, assembly members, and you to make sure our fellow Wisconsinites cannot just survive but thrive.

    Forward!

    All the best,

    Derrick Van Orden

    Member of Congress

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington state files amicus brief in support of legal challenge to unlawful termination of Job Corps

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown today filed an amicus brief with the attorneys general from 21 other states in support of a proposed class of plaintiffs challenging the unlawful termination of Job Corps, a national program that offers career training and housing to young Americans from low-income backgrounds. 

    Last week, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the plaintiffs challenging in National Job Corps Association et al. v. Department of Labor et al., noting in its opinion that the coalition of states led by Washington had opposed the termination of the program. Today’s filing urges the court, weighing a motion brought by enrollees in the program, to affirm that an injunction should remain in place.      

    Job Corps has nearly 100 residential campuses across the country, and the Trump Administration’s effort to illegally terminate the program threatens to leave thousands of vulnerable young Americans homeless. The brief explains that “in the sixty years since Congress created Job Corps, millions of young Americans from low-income backgrounds have been served by the program’s unique combination of education, training, housing, healthcare and community.” 

    Unlawful termination of the program would impact tens of thousands of young Americans who are currently enrolled and housed at campuses in all fifty states, including the Cascades Job Corps Center in Sedro-Woolley, Washington and the Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria, Oregon. Thousands of these program participants were unhoused or in foster care when they enrolled and have no alternative housing if they lose their residence through the program.

    Today’s brief was filed in Cabrera et al. v. Department of Labor et al. in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, with Attorney General Brown and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford leading a coalition including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.

    Today’s amicus filing reaffirms that keeping an injunction in place is necessary to protect vulnerable state residents and promote state goals in education and workforce development. It further reinforces the point that the Trump administration cannot violate federal law and the Constitution by terminating congressionally mandated programs it opposes.

    A copy of the amicus brief is available here.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom honors fallen California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 2, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano:

    “Officer Miguel Cano dedicated his life to serving our communities, and his passing is a heartbreaking loss for the state and the California Highway Patrol. Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy and we extend our sincere condolences to Officer Cano’s wife, parents, loved ones, and the men and women of the CHP. Though early in his public safety career, Officer Cano already embodied the best of the Golden State with his courage, commitment, and a deep sense of duty. The state will never forget his service.”

     On July 2, just before 12:30 a.m., at Bristol Parkway near Green Valley Circle in Culver City, Officer Cano was involved in an on-duty crash after suffering a suspected medical emergency.  The circumstances are still under investigation. He was immediately transported to the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, where, despite the lifesaving efforts of emergency personnel, Officer Cano was ultimately pronounced deceased.

    Officer Cano, 34, graduated from the CHP academy in November 2023 and proudly served the West Los Angeles community and the people of California for a year and a half.  

    His wife and parents survive him.

     In honor of Officer Cano, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff. This is the first line-of-duty loss for the CHP since 2020.  

    Recent news

    Jul 2, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Rate cuts bring relief as stress levels drop

    Source: Premier of Victoria

    • NAB Consumer Stress Index eased to a two-year low
    • Small cutbacks putting $4860 a year back in Aussies’ pockets

    Australians are starting to breathe a little easier, with consumer stress dropping to its lowest point in two years, thanks to easing cost-of-living pressures and growing hope around interest rates.

    NAB’s latest Consumer Sentiment Survey shows the stress index has dropped to 56.6, down from 59.6 in March, below the long-term average.

    NAB Executive Lucia La Bella says recent rate cuts are already making a difference in how people are feeling about their finances.

    And fewer Australians are seeing big jumps in mortgages, rent and transport.

    “We’re seeing a sense of optimism about the future and more confidence that there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Ms La Bella said.

    “We’re seeing some relief already among mortgage holders with almost half saying they’re feeling the benefits of recent rate cuts.

    “With another RBA meeting just days away, many households are watching closely and planning their budgets.”

    Cost-of-living is still the main concern among Australians although it has now eased to its lowest level in three years.

    Households are continuing to tighten their belts, cutting back on things like eating out, entertainment and travel – saving an average of $4860 a year. But it’s not just about cutting back, people are shopping smarter too.

    One in three are switching to cheaper brands, one in four are doing their homework before buying, and one in ten are snapping up deals when they see them.

    “They’re showing resilience, making smart choices, and setting themselves up for a stronger financial future,” Ms La Bella said.

    With a new financial year here, it’s a good opportunity to start fresh with a new budget. Free tools like the NAB Budget Planner are a good place to start.

    Notes to editor:  

    • NAB’s measure of consumer stress is based on household stresses arising from their job security, health, ability to fund retirement, cost of living and the impact of Government policies.
    • NAB Economics forecasts three further 25bp cuts in 2025 taking the cash rate back to a broadly neutral rate of 3.1%.
    • The NAB Consumer Sentiment Survey uses data from 2,000 people

    ENDS 

    For further information:
    NAB Media: +61 (0) 3 7035 5015

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    Media Enquiries

    For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on 03 7035 5015

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.
    The observance marks the 30-year anniversary of the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica.
    Co-organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, the Office of the Special Advisor for the Prevention of Genocide and the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT_ekBPi_uU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: 160th Anniversary of the United States Secret Service, 2025

    Source: US Whitehouse

    class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation authorizing the creation of the United States Secret Service, the very same day an assassin’s bullet tragically took his life.  Ironically, the agency he established likely could not have saved him.  Its original purpose was not protection, but preservation, tasked with ending the widespread counterfeiting that threatened to destabilize the post-Civil War economy.  Less than 3 months later, on July 5, 1865, the Secret Service officially began operations within the Department of the Treasury. 

    Over time, the agency’s mission began to expand.  Following the assassination attempt of William McKinley in 1901, the Congress entrusted the Secret Service with the solemn duty of protecting the President of the United States.  What began as an effort to defend America’s currency became a lasting commitment to defend its highest office.  Today, the Secret Service stands among the Nation’s most elite and storied law enforcement agencies, defined by honor, vigilance, and its enduring motto:  “Worthy of Trust and Confidence.”

    More than 8,000 men and women serve in the Secret Service, united by a mission that demands excellence, resilience, and steadfast loyalty.  They protect the President and Vice President, their families, former presidents, major presidential candidates, and visiting foreign dignitaries.  Their watch extends to the White House, the Vice President’s residence, National Special Security Events, and critical sites around the world.  Agents undergo intense and rigorous training to earn their post, ensuring that only the most disciplined and determined are entrusted with this sacred duty.  Even in moments of grave danger, these warriors stand firm, confronting threats with unshakable resolve, unmatched skill, and the quiet strength that defines the very best of American law enforcement.  

    The United States Secret Service has stood as an unflinching shield against violence and mayhem, answering the call whenever danger arises to protect our national leadership.  Agents have placed themselves in harm’s way to protect against the attempted assassinations of President-elect Franklin Roosevelt in 1933, President Harry Truman in 1950, President Gerald Ford in 1975, President Ronald Reagan in 1981, and two attempts against my own life in 2024.  In each of these moments, they acted with split-second courage and absolute devotion to duty.  I witnessed their bravery firsthand — calm under pressure, fearless in the face of danger, and wholly committed to the mission.  Behind these historical incidents stand countless additional threats, lives protected without fanfare, and sacrifices made without recognition.  To risk laying down one’s life for another is the most selfless act of patriotism and humanity, and I am forever indebted to the agents who risk everything to guard me from harm.

    As we commemorate the 160th anniversary of the United States Secret Service, our Nation proudly honors the heroism, discipline, and unwavering commitment of every agent who have placed their lives in the line of fire so that our Republic, our freedom, and our glorious constitutional order may endure.  Their bravery stands as a powerful testament to the spirit of America, undaunted in the face of danger and resolute in the defense of liberty.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 5, 2025, as the 160th Anniversary of the United States Secret Service.  I call upon all Americans to offer our unending gratitude and respect to the 8,000 employees of the United States Secret Service in more than 150 offices across the country and abroad that serve on the edge of danger to defend the safety and security of our communities and uphold the sovereignty and strength of our Republic.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: 160th Anniversary of the United States Secret Service, 2025

    Source: US Whitehouse

    class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation authorizing the creation of the United States Secret Service, the very same day an assassin’s bullet tragically took his life.  Ironically, the agency he established likely could not have saved him.  Its original purpose was not protection, but preservation, tasked with ending the widespread counterfeiting that threatened to destabilize the post-Civil War economy.  Less than 3 months later, on July 5, 1865, the Secret Service officially began operations within the Department of the Treasury. 

    Over time, the agency’s mission began to expand.  Following the assassination attempt of William McKinley in 1901, the Congress entrusted the Secret Service with the solemn duty of protecting the President of the United States.  What began as an effort to defend America’s currency became a lasting commitment to defend its highest office.  Today, the Secret Service stands among the Nation’s most elite and storied law enforcement agencies, defined by honor, vigilance, and its enduring motto:  “Worthy of Trust and Confidence.”

    More than 8,000 men and women serve in the Secret Service, united by a mission that demands excellence, resilience, and steadfast loyalty.  They protect the President and Vice President, their families, former presidents, major presidential candidates, and visiting foreign dignitaries.  Their watch extends to the White House, the Vice President’s residence, National Special Security Events, and critical sites around the world.  Agents undergo intense and rigorous training to earn their post, ensuring that only the most disciplined and determined are entrusted with this sacred duty.  Even in moments of grave danger, these warriors stand firm, confronting threats with unshakable resolve, unmatched skill, and the quiet strength that defines the very best of American law enforcement.  

    The United States Secret Service has stood as an unflinching shield against violence and mayhem, answering the call whenever danger arises to protect our national leadership.  Agents have placed themselves in harm’s way to protect against the attempted assassinations of President-elect Franklin Roosevelt in 1933, President Harry Truman in 1950, President Gerald Ford in 1975, President Ronald Reagan in 1981, and two attempts against my own life in 2024.  In each of these moments, they acted with split-second courage and absolute devotion to duty.  I witnessed their bravery firsthand — calm under pressure, fearless in the face of danger, and wholly committed to the mission.  Behind these historical incidents stand countless additional threats, lives protected without fanfare, and sacrifices made without recognition.  To risk laying down one’s life for another is the most selfless act of patriotism and humanity, and I am forever indebted to the agents who risk everything to guard me from harm.

    As we commemorate the 160th anniversary of the United States Secret Service, our Nation proudly honors the heroism, discipline, and unwavering commitment of every agent who have placed their lives in the line of fire so that our Republic, our freedom, and our glorious constitutional order may endure.  Their bravery stands as a powerful testament to the spirit of America, undaunted in the face of danger and resolute in the defense of liberty.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 5, 2025, as the 160th Anniversary of the United States Secret Service.  I call upon all Americans to offer our unending gratitude and respect to the 8,000 employees of the United States Secret Service in more than 150 offices across the country and abroad that serve on the edge of danger to defend the safety and security of our communities and uphold the sovereignty and strength of our Republic.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Canada funds energy projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories to build a strong, sustainable economy

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 2, 2025 – Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

    Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, visited Denendeh Manor, a four-storey Indigenous-owned apartment building in Yellowknife, to announce over $13.3 million in support of five projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

    These projects are being funded under the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF), which invests in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate clean growth, build resilient communities, and create jobs for Canadians through four distinct funding streams. They are essential to building a clean economy and keeping Canadian innovation climate competitive.

    Three of the projects being announced are receiving funding from the LCEF Challenge stream, which supports a variety of organizations in adopting proven, low-carbon technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and stay climate competitive. The other two are receiving funding from the LCEF Indigenous Leadership stream, which supports Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects across Canada.

    • The Sherritt International Corporation is receiving approximately $1.6 million from the Challenge stream to increase the efficiency of the natural gas-fired boilers it uses to generate steam for its fertilizer plant in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.
    • Cavendish Farms Corporation is receiving nearly $1.4 million from the Challenge stream to install a heat recovery system and reduce reliance on natural gas at its Lethbridge, Alberta facility.
    • The Taurus Canada Renewable Natural Gas Corporation is receiving approximately $3.4 million from the Challenge stream to construct the world’s first small-scale biogenic carbon capture and storage project, using manure anaerobic digestion on the Kasko Cattle Co. Ltd. feedlot site.
    • Denendeh Manor GP Ltd. is receiving approximately $2.3 million from the Indigenous Leadership stream to improve energy efficiency and low carbon heating at Denendeh Manor in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
    • The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is receiving approximately $4.6 million from the Indigenous Leadership stream to supply ground-mounted solar installation kits to Inuvialuit-owned cabins in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories.

    These investments reaffirm the Government of Canada’s strong commitment to building a clean, sustainable economy for all; achieving its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets; and protecting our environment.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Canada funds energy projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories to build a strong, sustainable economy

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 2, 2025 – Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

    Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, visited Denendeh Manor, a four-storey Indigenous-owned apartment building in Yellowknife, to announce over $13.3 million in support of five projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

    These projects are being funded under the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF), which invests in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate clean growth, build resilient communities, and create jobs for Canadians through four distinct funding streams. They are essential to building a clean economy and keeping Canadian innovation climate competitive.

    Three of the projects being announced are receiving funding from the LCEF Challenge stream, which supports a variety of organizations in adopting proven, low-carbon technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and stay climate competitive. The other two are receiving funding from the LCEF Indigenous Leadership stream, which supports Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects across Canada.

    • The Sherritt International Corporation is receiving approximately $1.6 million from the Challenge stream to increase the efficiency of the natural gas-fired boilers it uses to generate steam for its fertilizer plant in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.
    • Cavendish Farms Corporation is receiving nearly $1.4 million from the Challenge stream to install a heat recovery system and reduce reliance on natural gas at its Lethbridge, Alberta facility.
    • The Taurus Canada Renewable Natural Gas Corporation is receiving approximately $3.4 million from the Challenge stream to construct the world’s first small-scale biogenic carbon capture and storage project, using manure anaerobic digestion on the Kasko Cattle Co. Ltd. feedlot site.
    • Denendeh Manor GP Ltd. is receiving approximately $2.3 million from the Indigenous Leadership stream to improve energy efficiency and low carbon heating at Denendeh Manor in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
    • The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation is receiving approximately $4.6 million from the Indigenous Leadership stream to supply ground-mounted solar installation kits to Inuvialuit-owned cabins in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories.

    These investments reaffirm the Government of Canada’s strong commitment to building a clean, sustainable economy for all; achieving its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets; and protecting our environment.

    MIL OSI Canada News –