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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wealthy Africans often don’t pay tax: the answer lies in smarter collection – expert

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Giovanni Occhiali, Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, Institute of Development Studies

    Faced with some of the worse debt levels in over a decade, African countries are struggling to find ways to balance their books. Increasing revenue sources from their citizens is an obvious place to look.

    A good starting point for African countries would be to focus on the tax contribution of wealthy citizens. This is because the most under performing taxes across the African continent are those bearing on the income of wealthy individuals, namely personal income and property taxes.

    The reasons for this are two fold: People who are better off in some countries often remain invisible to tax authorities. This is even though they have higher tax liabilities. Compare this with citizens who have formal labour contracts. Think of public school teachers or supermarket clerks. Their taxes are withheld by their employers. This makes tax evasion impossible. Most taxes on personal income in Africa are paid by citizens in these forms of employment.

    In contrast, prior to 2015, only one of the top 71 Ugandan government officials and 17 of the country 60 most successful lawyers paid any personal income tax. Similarly, only 16% of all landlords identified in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, during a registration drive in 2021 had registered for taxes.

    This shows that wealthy Africans face lower effective tax rates than average citizens, replicating a trend already demonstrated for the relative tax burden of small and large companies.

    This situation is disheartening. But there are immediate steps that African revenue authorities can take to address this unfairness.

    Research led by the International Centre for Tax and Development, to which I have contributed, shows that revenue increases from wealthy citizens can be obtained by focusing on better enforcement of existing taxes rather than by introducing new ones or hiking tax rates.

    An effective approach to increase wealthy citizens tax contribution relies on three strategies:

    • their identification

    • a simplification of tax compliance processes, and

    • the effective enforcement of existing taxes.

    While these suggestions might seem banal, they can lead to some quick revenue gains: as much as US$5.5 million in Uganda or US$900,000 in a single Nigerian state in one year, or tripling property tax revenue collection in Sierra Leone.

    But these improvements require changes in the way African revenue authorities operate.

    Tax collection services need change of focus

    Revenue services in all African countries need to be better resourced. A typical tax officer on the continent might be responsible for as many as 10 times the number of taxpayers than a tax officer in the Global North.

    First, their efforts need to be redirected away from the registration of small informal businesses. These efforts have been shown to contribute little revenue in countries as diverse as South Africa and Sierra Leone.

    Instead their efforts should be directed a developing a definition of high-net-worth individual appropriate for their domestic context. In Uganda this includes criteria such as having performed land transactions of approximately US$300,000 over five years, or earning approximately US$150,000 in rental income in any given year.

    Due to its federal structure, criteria in Nigeria vary across states, for example including an yearly income above Naira 2 million in Borno and Kano state, with the threshold raising to Naira 15 million in Imo state, Naira 20 million in Niger state and Naira 25 million in Lagos state.

    However, in both countries criteria also cover less directly measurable assets, such as owning high-value commercial forestry or animal ranches in Uganda, or having received contracts from the government in Nigeria’s Kaduna state.

    Property taxes are especially important. Research in Ethiopia and Rwanda shows that investing in real estate represents one of the main strategies to store wealth when inflation and foreign exchange fluctuation make bank deposits unattractive.

    These properties then contribute to increasing the income of wealthy citizens who rent them out or resell them for profit. While we lack granular data on capital gains or rental income taxes, there are good reasons to think they are also significantly underperforming. Capital gains refers to the additional value which an investor accrues when disposing of assets such as houses or companies share previously bought at a lower price.

    Second, this should be followed by the creation of an office to follow the affairs of high net-worth individuals. This already happens for large taxpayers. Most countries, including the majority of anglophone African countries, have a dedicated office following the tax affairs of large companies active in their territory.

    Having dedicated resources for high net-worth individuals would be useful because using the international definition (a net worth of US$1 million) might be hard to operationalise. The reason for this is that most revenue authorities lack detailed data on assets owned by their taxpayers. Even when they know some information, such as the number of houses, estimates of their market value might be lacking.

    African countries are better off relying on data already in their possession as they seek to collect further useful information on their taxpayers. This allows the establishment of a set of multiple core and non-core criteria.

    Third, high-net worth individual units require substantial backing. In the first instance from revenue authorities’ senior management, who in turn needs to have the support of the government in pursuing often well-connected individuals. This backing is needed for actions as apparently easy as obtaining data from other government agencies, without which identification efforts could be quickly thwarted, and becomes crucial when its time to move to enforcement.

    However, a cooperative approach should be the initial choice. One approach is voluntary disclosure programmes with associated tax amnesties. These are useful to obtain information about the assets of wealthy citizens. Additionally, they contribute substantial revenue – as much as US$296 million in South Africa and US$192 million in Nigeria.

    Fourth, requiring candidates running for public office to obtain tax clearance certificates can also be an important source of information and revenue. This has been shown to work in both Uganda and Nigeria.

    This set of actions represents an optimal starting point for African countries looking to improve the tax contribution of wealthy citizens.

    Efforts to produce suitable guidance for wealth taxation for low-income countries by the United Nations, or to introduce a global wealth tax on billionaire by the Brazilian G20, are important to highlight the role of fiscal redistribution in addressing inequality. But many African countries are better off by first being bold about the basics of their tax systems, which can already make them more effective and progressive.

    The International Centre for Tax and Development, where Dr Giovanni Occhiali works, receives funding from the United Kingdom Foregin, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Gates Foundation, and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad).

    – ref. Wealthy Africans often don’t pay tax: the answer lies in smarter collection – expert – https://theconversation.com/wealthy-africans-often-dont-pay-tax-the-answer-lies-in-smarter-collection-expert-252437

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Mind your language: The battle for linguistic diversity in AI

    Source: United Nations 2

    By Fabrice Robinet

    Culture and Education

    For two years, one international organization under the umbrella of the UN has been leading a relentless campaign in the corridors of global digital diplomacy. Its mission? To bring linguistic diversity to English-dominated artificial intelligence.

    With his signature geeky glasses and TED-Talk-style headset, Sundar Pichai looked straight out of a Silicon Valley incubator.

    That Monday, February 10, Google’s chief executive took the stage at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris. From the Grand Palais podium, he heralded a new golden age of innovation.

    “Using AI techniques, we added over 110 new languages to Google Translate last year, spoken by half a billion people around the world,” said the tech mogul, his eyes fixed on his notes. “That brings our total to 249 languages, including 60 African languages – more to come.”

    Delivered in a monotone, his statement barely registered among the summit’s attendees – an assembly of world leaders, researchers, NGOs, and tech executives.

    © Permanent Mission of Canada

    But for advocates of linguistic diversity in artificial intelligence, Mr. Pichai’s words marked a quiet victory – one achieved after two years of intense, behind-the-scenes negotiations in the arcane world of digital diplomacy.

    “It shows the message is getting through and tech companies are listening,” said Joseph Nkalwo Ngoula, digital policy advisor at the UN mission of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, in New York.

    Linguistic divide

    Mr. Pichai’s speech was a far cry from the linguistic missteps of early generative AI – a branch of artificial intelligence capable of creating original content, from text to images, music and animation.

    When OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, non-English speakers quickly discovered its limitations.

    A query in English would generate a detailed, informative response. The same prompt in French? Two paragraphs, followed by a sheepish apology: “Sorry, I haven’t been trained on that,” or, “my model isn’t updated beyond this date.”

    Such a gap lies in the intricate mechanics of AI tools, which rely on so-called large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4, Meta’s LlaMA, or Google’s Gemini to digest vast troves of internet data that help them understand and generate text.

    But the internet itself is overwhelmingly Anglophone. While only 20 per cent of the world’s population speaks English at home, nearly half of the training data for major AI models is in English.

    Even today, ChatGPT’s responses in French, Portuguese, or Spanish have improved but remain less illuminating than their English counterparts.

    UN Photo/Elma Okic

    Sharper focus

    “The volume of available information in English is much greater, but it’s also more up to date,” said Mr. Nkalwo Ngoula. By default, AI models are conceived, trained, and deployed in English, leaving other languages struggling to catch up.

    The divide isn’t just quantitative. AI, when deprived of robust training in any given language, starts to “hallucinate” – generating incorrect or absurd answers with unsettling authority – much like an overconfident friend bluffing his way through trivia night.

    A classic AI hallucination consists of responding to a request for biographical details about a famous person by inventing a Nobel Prize or coming up with an odd parallel career, as in this example generated by ChatGPT, at the behest of UN News:

    UN News: ‘Who is Victor Hugo?’

    Hallucinating AI: “Victor Hugo, the 19th-century French writer, was also a passionate astronaut who contributed to the early design of the International Space Station.” 🚀😆

    Black box

    “It’s a black box absorbing data,” Mr. Nkalwo Ngoula explained. “The results might be formally coherent and logically structured, but factually, they can be wildly inaccurate.”

    Beyond factual errors, AI tends to flatten linguistic richness. Chatbots struggle with regional accents and language variations, such as Quebecois French or Creole languages spoken in Haiti and the French Caribbean.

    AI-generated French often feels sanitized, stripped of its stylistic nuances.

    “Molière, Léopold Sédar Senghor, Aimé Césaire, Mongo Beti – they’d all be turning in their graves if they saw how A.I. writes French today,” joked Mr. Nkalwo Ngoula.

    The issue runs deeper in multilingual countries, as in the diplomat’s native Cameroon, where youth commonly speak Camfranglais – a hybrid of French, English, Pidgin, and local languages.

    “I doubt young people could ask an AI something in Camfranglais and get a meaningful response,” he said. Expressions like “Je yamo ce pays” (I love this country) or “Réponds-moi sharp-sharp” (Answer me quickly) would likely leave A.I. models bewildered.

    UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    Shadow Campaign of La Francophonie

    Mr. Nkalwo Ngoula’s organization, La Francophonie – which brings together 93 states and governments around the use of French, representing more than 320 million people worldwide – has made this linguistic gap a centerpiece of its digital strategy.

    The group’s efforts culminated in last year’s UN Global Digital Compact, a framework for AI governance adopted by the Member States. From 2023 onward, La Francophonie leveraged its diplomatic network – including the influential Francophone Ambassadors’ Group at the UN – to ensure linguistic diversity became a core principle in AI policymaking.

    Along the way, unexpected allies emerged. Lusophone and Hispanic advocacy groups joined the fight, and even Washington sided with their cause. “The US defended language inclusion in AI development,” Mr. Nkalwo Ngoula noted.

    Their push paid off. The final Global Digital Compact explicitly recognizes cultural and linguistic diversity – an issue that had initially been buried under broader discussions on accessibility. “Our goal was to bring it to the forefront,” he said.

    The movement even reached Silicon Valley. At the UN Summit for the Future in September 2024, where the Compact was officially adopted, Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, surprised many by emphasizing the need for A.I. to provide access to global knowledge in multiple languages.

    “We’re working toward 1,000 of the world’s most spoken languages,” he pledged – a commitment he reaffirmed in Paris months later.

    Limits of the Global Digital Compact

    Despite these gains, challenges remain. Chief among them is visibility. “Francophone content is often buried by platform algorithms,” Mr Nkalwo Ngoula warns.

    Streaming giants like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify prioritize popularity, meaning English-language content dominates search results.

    “If linguistic diversity were truly considered, a French-speaking user should see French-language films at the top of their recommendations,” he argued.

    The overwhelming dominance of English in AI training data is another hurdle sidestepped by the Compact, which also omits any reference to UNESCO’s Convention on Cultural Diversity – an oversight that, according to Mr. Nkalwo Ngoula, should be rectified.

    “Linguistic diversity must be the backbone of digital advocacy for La Francophonie,” Nkalwo Ngoula insisted.

    Given the pace of AI development, those changes can’t come a moment too soon.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Botswana’s Chinese learners embrace language through martial arts

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana (CIUB) hosted a cultural and language event on Friday, providing Chinese learners with a platform to practice speaking the language while exploring traditional Chinese martial arts.

    Held under the theme “Chinese Gongfu,” which refers to Chinese martial arts, the event introduced participants to the vocabulary of Chinese martial weapons, including knives, swords, spears, and whips, alongside basic martial arts movements. The interactive session aimed to enhance oral proficiency while deepening cultural understanding.

    “Hello, everyone. My name is Shen Chenggong,” said Keagile Sebetlela, a CIUB student, as he introduced himself in Chinese during an interview with Xinhua at the event.

    “I am interested in learning Chinese because, in my view, it has become one of the major international languages. I believe knowing Chinese can open many doors,” said Sebetlela, adding that he particularly enjoys writing Chinese characters, as the language differs from most others that rely on alphabets.

    Students Sharon Khumomotse and Lindiwe Lile Ramooki performed at the event, introducing themselves with their Chinese names before entertaining the audience with tongue twisters.

    “I’m a Chinese learner studying the language for three years. I work at a bank office,” said Ramooki in fluent Chinese.

    For Fidelity Monthe, who goes by the Chinese name Fei Di’an, learning the language is essential for growing her business.

    “I run a small business and have traveled to China to source products. The biggest challenge has been communication. Learning Chinese will help me expand my business and form partnerships with Chinese companies,” Monthe told Xinhua.

    She expressed a deep fascination with Chinese characters. “Writing Chinese feels like drawing. It’s almost like being an artist. But what I enjoy most is speaking the language and being able to converse with Chinese people. I’m also learning about Chinese culture and want to explore it further,” she added.

    Monthe and Sebetlela were among around 70 Chinese learners and teachers who participated in the two-hour event, which featured Chinese song performances, language games, and group discussions.

    Pu Durong, Chinese director of CIUB, likened the event to “English corners” in China, where language learners gather to practice speaking.

    “In China, we have English corners for practicing English. Here in Botswana, we have a Chinese corner for students to improve their speaking skills. These learners are very passionate about the language, because many plan to do business in China,” Pu said.

    CIUB, the first Confucius Institute in Botswana, was followed by a second institute launched in October 2023, at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology in Palapye, about 270 km northeast of Gaborone, the country’s capital.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia-Korea Foundation Board appointments and grants

    Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    Today I announce the appointment of Dr Scott Watkins as Chair of the Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF), as well as new board members to support the Foundation’s work.

    The AKF works to strengthen economic, strategic and personal links between Australia and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

    Dr Watkins has been a Board Member since 2022 and is active in forging networks between Australian and South Korean youth. He is the Chief Sustainability Officer at KISCO, a South Korean chemicals and inks manufacturer, and previously worked for CSIRO.

    I am pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members who each bring extensive experience to support the objectives of the AKF:

    • Professor Gordon Flake, founding CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre
    • Ms Julianne Lee, Vice President of Voice of Korean Australian Businesses and Director a Rosecello Pty Ltd
    • Mr Sung Ho Lee, Partner at Johnson Partners.

    I have reappointed Ms Robyn Bryant, from Bryant Family Grazing in Southern Queensland, for a second three-year term from March 2025.

    I greatly appreciate the efforts of outgoing Chair Peter Coleman and Board Member Ms Karen Halbert for their substantial contribution the Australia-ROK relationship and thank them for their work supporting the AKF.

    Today I am also delighted to announce that grants have been awarded to 22 recipients in the 2024-25 AKF Grant Round. These are listed on the AKF website and include:

    • The Australia-Korea Academic Maritime Security Dialogue in South Korea, convened by La Trobe University and the University of Western Australia, to promote discussions on maritime-related issues in our region.
    • An Australia-Korea Business Council initiative to connect female leaders in Australia and South Korea through networking and panel discussions, to promote leadership skills, cross-cultural exchanges and mentorships.
    • Supporting 10 Australian scientists to attend the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists’ Young Scientist Program in South Korea, to enhance bilateral scientific ties.

    Applications are now open for the 2025-26 Grant Round. For more information visit the Australia-Korea Foundation.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia-Japan Foundation grant recipients 2024-25

    Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    I am pleased to announce the 22 recipients of the Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) grant round for 2024-25.

    The AJF advances Australia’s foreign and trade policy interests with Japan by supporting partnerships in areas of shared interest and increasing Australian engagement with Japan.

    The grant recipients in 2024-25 include:

    • The Australian Antarctic Program Partnership at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, to develop new pathways for Japanese and Australian scientific collaborations in Antarctic and Southern science.
    • An Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) workshop to convene leading Pacific experts from Australia, Japan and the Pacific, focusing on improving Pacific resilience to new security challenges.
    • The University of Queensland’s initiative to advance higher education on sustainable construction in Australia and Japan through teaching workshops, a public guest lecture series, and a presentation at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai.
    • A Drift Consulting project to bring together Australian and Japanese experts to exchange knowledge and progress the use of Australian seaweed in livestock feed to reduce emissions.

    A full list of successful grant recipients is available on the AJF website.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Federal government invests in community buildings across Canada

    Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation

    Ontario

    Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Health Centre Renovations

    Replace the wood siding and wood frame windows with triple-paned windows, and increasing the basement insulation. The heating will be upgraded to an energy efficient heat pump, which provides significant GHG savings. The propane unit will remain, providing back up support in the case of extreme cold temperatures. Energy saving will also come from upgrading to low flow plumbing fixtures and lighting to LEDs. Accessibility will be improved by retrofitting the bathroom and upgrading the ramp to the building to meet code. A wing of the Centre will be retrofitted to improve accessibility with wider hallways and larger door frames.

    $2,989,125

    Ayr

    Ontario

    North Dumfries Net Zero Arena Project

    The Township of North Dumfries is embarking on an exciting project to construct a new state-of-the-art ice arena. This facility aims to provide a modern, accessible, and energy-efficient space for ice sports and community events. The project includes a full-sized ice rink, seating for spectators, locker rooms, and multipurpose rooms for community use.

    The goal is to create a hub for local sports teams, recreational leagues, and public skating, fostering a sense of community and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The new arena will serve residents of all ages, from young children learning to skate to seniors participating in recreational activities. By incorporating sustainable building practices and energy-efficient technologies, we aim to minimize the environmental impact and ensure long-term operational cost savings.
    This project will not only enhance the quality of life for North Dumfries residents but also attract visitors and events, boosting local economy and community spirit.

    $5,000,000

    Beamsville

    Ontario

    The Next Chapter – Vineland Library

    The Town of Lincoln will retrofit and expand the public library in Vineland. The branch, built in 1996, is showing signs of wear and aging. It is the only public space on the East side of Lincoln and is currently visited by over 38,000 each year.  Lincoln is experiencing significant planned residential growth, and the increased population will include newcomers, seniors and children at risk, who require space to meet and connect.
    This project will include a 6000 sq foot addition, including new study and community spaces and a place for the local archives, a green retrofit complying with the zero-carbon building design standard v4, and will improve the accessibility of the branch to 2024 AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) standards.

    The upgraded library will provide inclusive space for residents to access library programs and services and be a model of Net Zero design and construction in the Niagara Region.

    $2,000,000

    Blood 148

    Alberta

    Unlocking Energy Efficiency Potential for Blood Tribe Employment and Skills Training (BTEST) Building

    Improve the comfort and efficiency of the facility and the success of programming by lowering energy consumption, reducing operating costs and demonstrating energy efficiency leadership.
    Works include upgrading lights to LED, improving insulation and sealing of windows and doors, and building out a solar array. The expected energy efficiency improvements from these projects is 32.4%.

    $307,119

    Bonnechere Valley

    Ontario

    Eganville Community Arena GHG Reduction and Energy Efficiency Upgrades

    Replace refrigeration equipment, install a 272 kW solar array, upgrade to LED lighting, improve air tightness and optimize the Building Automation System (BAS) for better climate control.
    These measures aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, and ensure the arena remains a vital community space for activities and events.

    $1,000,000

    Breton

    Alberta

    Carolyn Strand Civic Centre Energy Retrofit Improvements

    Replace the outdated HVAC system with a high-efficiency heat pump and upgrade interior lighting with LED fixtures and a control panel, which will reduce energy consumption by 54.5%. An accessible ramp will also be installed to ensure all community members, including those with mobility challenges, can access the services.

    $527,625

    Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Reserve

    Manitoba

    Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Community Hall

    Convert the existing kitchen into a commercial-grade kitchen, install an energy efficient backup generator for emergency power, improve HVAC and audio-visual systems, and accessibility within the building based on CSA standard. Energy efficiency upgrades will feature an air source heat pump, ductwork repairs, demand-controlled ventilation, and repairing the kitchen’s heat recovery ventilator (HRV), leading to a 47.1% reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

    $996,368

    Burlington

    Ontario

    Skyway Community Centre and Park

    Build a new facility that will exceed the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) for accessibility requirements. This new community centre will feature a revitalized park which includes a baseball diamond, natural playground, arena, program rooms and an indoor walking track. This will be a low carbon operating facility which aligns with the City’s goal of being a net carbon operation by 2040.

    $1,000,000

    Caledon

    Ontario

    Low Carbon Electric Heating Retrofits and Building Automation System Expansion at Caledon East Community Complex

    Retrofit end-of-life natural gas heaters to electric radiant heaters in two arenas and a garage bay at the Caledon East Community Complex. Expand existing building automation system (BAS), as well as optimize the remaining assets which span the remaining 95,962 ft2 of original floor space at the complex. The retrofitted heaters and expanding the BAS system will result in energy savings of 944,583 ekWh and abate 131 tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere.

    $336,688

    Cape Breton Regional Municipality

    Nova Scotia

    Going Green in 2023 2023

    Install a new refrigeration system which will utilize significant green energy and carbon  reductions measures and put in place solar  panels as the primary energy source. This will lead to greater efficiency and significantly reduced utility rates and will also be part of a net-zero objective. Building renovations will assist with greater accessibility.

    $1,000,000

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    Pimatisiwin Bridge Housing Renovation

    The Pimatisiwin Bridge Housing Renovation Project will rehabilitate and transform a former tavern space into a comprehensive support hub featuring 44 bridge housing units, a commercial kitchen, office space, conference rooms, spiritual space, and accessible washrooms. This project will serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness by providing 24/7 accommodations, meals, showers, and wrap-around services. Residents will receive culturally sensitive support, helping them stabilize and transition to permanent housing. The renovated space will accommodate over 100 people daily, offering holistic care, including cultural, spiritual, and healthcare services. This project directly supports Edmonton’s unhoused population, particularly Indigenous individuals, and promotes long-term housing solutions.

    $5,000,000

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    Terra Centre 146 Street Renovation

    Terra Centre recently purchased a building to accommodate the expansion of our programmes. Terra Centre is instrumental in raising the standard of living for minority families in Edmonton by being the only organization solely dedicated to pregnant and parenting teen mothers.

    By reducing energy consumption and operating costs, we can ensure that services remain free for teen parents and their families. The agency has implemented many strategies to achieve this goal:

    – Energy Efficiency Upgrade: HRV Replacement, Built-Up Roof System Replacement, Windows, Skylight and Storefront Replacement, LED Lighting Fixture Upgrade.
    The retrofit plan includes enhancing accessibility in the building to welcome more employees, clients, and members of the public, thereby expanding access to more people who require service – Accessibility Retrofits: Accessible family washrooms, Ramps (Exterior and Interior), Automatic Doors, Accessible Reception Desk.

    $1,000,000

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    North Glenora Community League – Net Zero Retrofit

    Improve the energy efficiency of the Community Leagues buildings and retrofit them to net zero. This project will eliminate the carbon emissions of the Community League, act as a demonstration for energy retrofits for residents, improve community climate resilience by providing emergency shelter from extreme weather, and increase the accessibility of the League buildings.

    $752,113

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    Avonmore Community League – Hall Building – Stepped Pathway to Net Zero

    Reduce annual energy consumption by 87.3% (45,880 kWh), reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 89.4% (10.1 tCO2e), improve climate resilience, and work towards removing accessibility barriers. This will be achieved with a building envelope retrofit, reduction of natural gas consumption, electric heating and cooling, renewable energy generation, and accessibility enhancements.

    $406,667

    Edmonton

    Alberta

    Ritchie Community Hall Replacement Project

    Replace the hall to align with community needs and municipal requirements. With a secured development permit, support from various organisations and access to 552 memberships and over 30 businesses, the league is shovel ready and feasible. The building currently serves as an affordable space for charities and non-profit organisations to provide affordable programs to young families and cultural groups. The new hall will also better serve houseless residents.

    $4,287,392

    Edmonton

    *Announced on March 21, 2025

    Alberta

    Crestwood Hall HVAC and Envelope Upgrades

    Correct stucco cladding, windows and doors, and heating and air conditioning systems.
    This will also support the long term goal of becoming NetZero in an incremental and financially responsible way. This project will cut energy use by 44%, and prepare the building for full electrification.

    $396,000

    Edmonton

    *Announced on March 21, 2025

    Alberta

    Edmonton’s Food Bank (EFB) Solar Array Project (Main Building)

    Reduce the operating costs for EFB yearly by at least $70,000 and reduce the carbon emissions (GHG) associated with the operation of EFB by 225 tCO2. Funding will also create a sustainable and prosperous community by reduced costs and reinvestment into the local economy through things like food purchases and programs.

    $482,160

    Georgina

    Ontario

    Energy, Accessibility, and Climate Resiliency Retrofit of Sutton Arena

    Improve the energy efficiency, accessibility, and climate resiliency of the facility by retrofitting the building envelope and equipment to reduce energy usage by over 26%, upgrading the elevator and flooring to meet accessibility standards, and implementing low impact development features in the parking lot to mitigate climate risks. The project will improve the enjoyment and usability of the space for the community by improving temperature controls and occupancy comfort, improving indoor air quality and accessibility, and building in climate resiliency.

    $1,118,412

    Grand Cache

    Alberta

    Aseniwuche Winewack Nation of Canada (AWN) Tawow Centre Retrofit

    Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and operational costs while expanding programming for the community. Key upgrades will include optimizing heating and cooling systems, improving insulation, replacing windows and lighting with energy-efficient alternatives, and enhancing air quality.
    The retrofit will benefit over 500 AWN members, including youth, elders, and families.

    $399,700

    Hamlet of Kugaaruk

    Nunavut

    Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion

    Renovate and expand the Centre to better serve the rapidly growing community, with a programming based on Inuit traditions. The Hamlet will install a new kitchen and additional food storage to support the Elders lunch and soup kitchen programs that provide services for the most vulnerable. To better serve expecting mothers and early families through the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program, a 25 m² expansion is planned. Additionally, the project will include a solar and battery energy storage system, enabling the Centre to operate essential services in emergencies and reducing reliance on diesel-powered electricity.

    $2,998,331

    High Prairie

    Alberta

    High Prairie Friendship Centre Retrofit

    Improve the building envelope and HVAC systems, as well as implement rooftop solar. These upgrades will significantly reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, promote climate resiliency, improve accessibility and building comfort, and ensure vital community services for years to come.

    $1,350,995

    Kingston

    Ontario

    Isabel Turner Library Renovation

    Isabel Turner Library is a 32,000 sq. ft public library constructed in 1997 and serves as a critical community hub in the west-end of Kingston. The retrofit project will involve aggressive decarbonization measures, energy efficiency upgrades, and site-wide accessibility improvements, including:

    • Extensive building mechanical upgrades (i.e. new high efficiency heat pumps) 
    • Full lighting replacement from fluorescent to LEDs
    • Modifications to public and staff entrances to make them fully accessible 
    • Washroom renovations to make them accessible and a new universal washroom 
    • General accessibility improvements, including: colour contrasting floors and walls, improved circulation, elevator repairs, low reach shelving, integrated assistive devices, and wayfinding
    • Building envelope improvements (water sealing).

    $1,000,000

    Kingston

    Ontario

    Solar PV Array – Rideau Heights Community Centre

    Retrofit the facility with a net-metered photovoltaic array on the roof and in the adjacent parking lot.

    $1,294,560

    Kitchener

    Ontario

    Quad Gymnasium at RBJ Schlegel Park

    The new 33,800 sq. ft. gymnasium will be Kitchener’s first facility of this kind, designed to competition standards for pickleball, basketball, indoor cricket, volleyball, and badminton. Located at the intersection of Huron Road and Fischer-Hallman Road, the facility is in the rapidly growing southwestern area of Kitchener, an area that has historically lacked sufficient recreational infrastructure. Just a 10-minute drive from Highway 401 and near other arterial routes the facility will be easily accessible by many, with an expected 150,000 local and non-local visitors in the first year with numbers expected to grow. The gymnasium will operate as a Net-Zero facility, making it one of the most environmentally sustainable recreation centers in Ontario. This will be achieved through a combination of advanced geo-thermal and solar photovoltaics as well as sustainable material selection such as cross-laminated timber wall systems, which significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

    $2,000,000

    Lac Brome, Quebec (formerly known as Knowlton)

    Quebec

    Lac Brome Museum Expansion – New Building

    Construction a 6000 sq.ft., 2-story building to expand museum displays/public spaces and to provide access during winter to museum and public events.  The climate-controlled building will have an elevator, disabled-friendly washrooms and ground-floor exhibits.

    $2,211,089

    Lindsay

    Ontario

    Ampere’s Community STEAM Space

    Ampere is undertaking a green and inclusive retrofit to create a community STEAM space in Lindsay, Ontario.

    Currently, this 13,248 sq.ft. facility is largely inaccessible with poor energy efficiency. Retrofits will help create a safe, energy efficient, and inclusive multi-purpose learning and activity space. Its ambitious goals include:
    – Green measures (target  65% energy savings, -90% in annual GHG emissions): Adding insulation and curtain walls, upgrading windows and exterior doors, upgrading HVAC, installing LED lighting
    – Accessibility measures (exceeding the highest accessibility standards): Installing exterior/interior ramps, non-slip flooring, elevator, and accessible doors.

    This project will primarily benefit underserved/high needs groups in rural Ontario, including people experiencing poverty, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, newcomers, and seniors.

    $2,000,000

    Little Current

    Ontario

    Fuel Electrification and Solar Net Metering at NEMI Municipal Library

    Offset existing propane and heating oil fuel consumption through installation of cold temperature air-source heat pumps as the new primary heating source, while retaining some of the existing heating system for backup and peak heating demand during extreme cold weather. Other ventilation, HVAC control and building envelope improvements are planned to increase occupant comfort and reduce issues around shoulder season heating with existing heating systems.

    $97,362

    London

    *Announced on March 20, 2025

    Ontario

    Shelter from the Heat: Creating a Community Forestry Centre for Southwestern Ontario

    Transform a 1940s Veterans facility into an energy-efficient, solar-powered, climate-resilient centre for community forestry programs aimed at combating climate change, particularly extreme heat, through tree planting and other nature-based solutions. The centre will offer a variety of free, publicly accessible programs, events, and services.

    $2,195,115

    London

    Ontario

    LOSC BMO Sports Centre Green Retrofit Project

    Retrofit windows and minimize energy loss, and update outdated mechanical systems and HVAC equipment to optimize performance and reduce environmental impact. The project will provide a more eco-friendly facility, benefiting the London community and its 600,000+ annual visitors by improving comfort and lowering operational costs.

    $600,000

    Madeira Park,  Sunshine Coast Regional District, Area A

    British Columbia

    Pender Harbour Community Hall  Renovation & Upgrade Project

    Replace the rafters and roof of the Hall with the goal of extending the life of the building and reduce GHG emissions by upgrading insulation, installing LED lighting and an ERV. The project will enable a solar panel array on the roof. The project will improve accessibility by installing automatic door opener at the main entrance which will complement the accessibility ramp donated by a local business. The project will reduce operating costs by reducing energy consumption and making the Hall more accessible for stakeholders.

    $532,059

    Mississippi Mills

    Ontario

    Reducing the Carbon Footprint: Museum Retrofit

    Improve energy efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint of the MVTM, and increase long-term viability of the site through investments in grid-connected solar PV, high-efficiency electric heat pumps, improved thermal performance, electrical system upgrade, and WIFI-enabled computerized energy management.

    $800,000

    Montréal

    Quebec

    Project Second Chance –  Enhancing Community Inclusion, Integration and Support Services to Ex-Inmates

    Expand the Maison Belfield facility by approximately 8% by removing walls between the living room, kitchen, and dining areas to create a more open and functional environment and enhance public accessibility to group meetings, social events, and rehabilitation activities.

    $294,455

    Montréal

    Quebec

    The Oasis in Transformation: together for an inclusive and sustainable environment for the families of our community

    Renovation of the backyard to better manage rainwater and reduce its impact on the building. To improve accessibility, plans include renovating common areas, automating one of the entrance doors, and installing a weather-protected universal access ramp. Improvements to insulation, windows, doors, the air conditioning and heating system, and lighting are also planned.

    $550,000

    Montréal

    *Announced on March 19, 2025

    Quebec

    Montreal North Sport Centre

    Build the sports section of the arena, which includes a double gymnasium, a gymnastics area, a walking track, locker rooms, bleachers, and administrative offices for the organizations.

    $15,000,000

    Municipality of Pictou

    Nova Scotia

    MARSA Expansions

    Expand kitchen and greenroom/storage, deck, and improve energy and climate and accessibility.

    $202,840

    Nepean

    Ontario

    Mamaawi Lodge: Expanding Green Spaces for an Inclusive Future

    The Mamaawi Lodge Expansion project involves a substantial addition to cultural performance and education facility, addressing the growing demand for its programming. The expansion will add 457.7 m² to the existing 442 m² pavilion, creating space for an artisan marketplace, office, makerspace, classroom, storage, washrooms, and more.

    Upgrades to the current pavilion will include refinishing the event space, energy-efficient lighting, new AV and stage systems, and enhancements to the building envelope such as re-cladding, new windows, doors, insulation, and barriers. A new heat pump, septic system, and hydro service upgrades will further improve sustainability.
    This expansion enhances the organization’s ability to offer culturally immersive and educational experiences, benefiting Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities by promoting cultural understanding and reconciliation.

    $5,000,000

    Norfolk County

    Ontario

    Reducing CO2 Emissions: Port Rowan Community Centre Retrofit

    Install a new roof with insulation, solar panel installation with battery storage, HVAC improvements, building envelope upgrades, and enhanced accessibility features.

    $1,510,000

    Oka

    Quebec

    Renovation of Juliette Huot Place

    Modernize and make this seniors’ reception center more environmentally friendly. The work will include demolishing and rebuilding the entrance ramp for better accessibility, replacing doors and windows with more energy-efficient models, adding gutters and roof ventilators, and improving insulation. The project also includes decontaminating and removing a buried oil tank, installing an electric furnace, and making various repairs to the building envelope.

    $442,008

    Ottawa

    Ontario

    African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre: Breaking Barriers

    Install energy-efficient windows, lighting, and HVAC systems to reduce the building’s environmental impact and operational costs. Install automatic, wheelchair-accessible doors and an exterior ramp, ensuring ease of access for all members of the community, especially those with mobility impairments. The subfloors will be upgraded to smooth, safe vinyl flooring, improving traction and significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

    $237,699

    Percé

    Quebec

    Renovation of the Charles Robin heritage barn (built in 1780) into the Percé community Art Centre

    For 16 years, the Percéides Festival has been a major cultural player in the region, offering programming for all audiences. As a long-term tenant of the Charles Robin heritage building, Les Percéides wants to restore this venue’s artistic and community vocation by restoring and redeveloping it into the Percé Art Centre, offering cutting-edge cultural, community, and educational activities year-round, aimed at all ages. The winterized building will be accessible and serve the various communities of Greater Percé and the Gaspé Peninsula so they can meet and develop social and multidisciplinary activities. The renovated building will include various accessible spaces such as a meeting room, a community kitchen for events, a community café, a screening room, artist residencies, and an exhibition hall.

    $2,000,000

    Pictou County, District 10:   Coalburn, Greenwood, Kirmount, McLellans Brook, McLellans Mountain

    Nova Scotia

    Ivor MacDonald Deep Energy Retrofit Project

    Reduce the building emissions (by over 85%) from the Ivor MacDonald Community Arena by making vast improvements to the properties envelope, mechanical, lighting, and renewable energy systems. Targeted upgrades include converting aging oil and wood boilers to an efficient closed-loop geothermal heating system, installing ductless heat pumps, adding a 75kW solar PV array, replacing fluorescent lighting with LED, upgrading controls, and increasing wall insulation. In total the project looks to reduce total on-site energy use by 87%.

    $200,000

    Qualicum Beach

    *Announced on March 22, 2025

    British Columbia

    Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project

    Double the size of the current facility, connecting rural and urban residents of the Oceanside, BC area with publicly accessible, affordable aquatics programming. This improve community services while meeting the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Standard V4.The new facility includes a new pool area and modernized change rooms.

    $7,000,000

    Rothesay

    New Brunswick

    The Rothesay Intergenerational Centre – Phase 2

    The Rothesay Intergenerational Centre (RIC) – phase 2 project is to refurbish and repurpose the 50-year-old Rothesay Arena as a multiuse recreation facility serving the broad Rothesay community and the nearby town of Quispamsis (total population ±35,000).
    The existing rink boards and ice plant will be removed and a new multipurpose floor installed suitable for a variety of sports, recreation and cultural activities. The existing structure and select components of the building will be retained and a new, energy-efficient building envelope and HVAC system added. The facility will be upgraded to universal design standards (barrier free). Usage will be intergenerational responding to the needs of a growing senior’s population, active adults and emerging needs of newcomers. Sited adjacent one of our neighbourhoods under stress and within walking distance of a second, this facility is expected to provide wellness opportunities for youth and adults otherwise unserved or underserved.

    $7,000,000

    Saint-Félix-de-Valois

    Quebec

    Energy renovation and remodelling of the old Presbytery

    Modernization, roof repair, replacement of the heating and ventilation system, renovation of the sanitary blocks and redefinition of the storage and office spaces so that the building complies with the building code will allow the rehabilitation of the premises to accommodate community organizations, to preserve an important element of the built, religious and historical heritage of the community while improving the accessibility of the building and its ecological footprint in order to make it a truly green, inclusive and accessible community building.

    $1,300,000

    Saint Theresa Point First Nation # 298

    Manitoba

    Saint Theresa Point First Nation Daycare Solar Project

    Retrofit the St. Theresa Point First Nation Daycare building with a grid tied solar photovoltaic system. The 50.6 kW solar PV system is designed to reduce carbon emissions and overall carbon footprint. The solar system will create ~55,900 kWh or 98% of the electricity requirements, lowering operating expenses by ~$6000/year that can to go towards equipment, toys, lunches and even additional staff to meet the constant demand.

    $255,332

    Sault Ste. Marie

    Ontario

    John Rhodes Community Centre Energy Retrofit and Accessibility Project

    Replace the existing roof to support solar panel installation, upgrading the roof condenser and air handling units for better HVAC efficiency, converting the entire facility to LED lighting and solar panel installation. These changes aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, aligning with Canada’s climate goals. Additionally, accessible bleachers will be installed in the hockey arena to create an inclusive environment for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

    $1,000,000

    Seine River First Nation

    Ontario

    Seine River Community Centre Renovations

    Retrofit the 20-year old gymnasium / community centre, that includes replacing the diesel boiler with a geothermal system, adding a solar panel array and replacing windows, and improving accessibility of the building by installing a wider entryway with a concrete apron.

    $2,998,863

    St. John’s

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Kilbride Lions Community Centre: Deep Energy Retrofit & Renewal Project

    The City of St. John’s is undertaking a comprehensive retrofit of the Kilbride Lions Community Centre to improve energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety. This project will focus on deep energy retrofits, including upgrades to insulation, heating systems, and lighting, key accessibility upgrades, such as the installation of a gender-neutral accessible washroom and an elevator and, critical safety upgrades, including modernizing outdated electrical systems to address long-overdue maintenance issues.

    These improvements target an 80% reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, aligned with the City’s climate action plans, while also promoting inclusivity and safety. The project will benefit all residents, especially vulnerable populations such as indigenous households, single-parent families, and those experiencing energy poverty in the community.

    $1,000,000

    Surrey

    British Columbia

    North Surrey  Indigenous Learning Centre

    The North Surrey Indigenous Learning Centre is a new construction project designed to support the cultural, educational, and social needs of the Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations. The Centre will feature workshops, classrooms, and gathering spaces, fostering cultural knowledge sharing and Indigenous traditions like wood carving. Designed with a focus on sustainability and accessibility, the fully electrified building will meet Zero Carbon Building standards and feature energy-efficient systems. The Centre will also offer the broader Surrey community an opportunity to learn about and engage with First Nations culture, enhancing cultural exchange and inclusivity.

    $2,000,000

    Temiskaming Shores, Timiskaming District

    Ontario

    Waterfront Pool & Fitness Centre Energy & GHG Retrofit

    Upgrade the regional health and wellness facility, which is the only indoor aquatic and fitness facility within a 75 km radius, providing essential services to seniors, low-income families, and other vulnerable populations, and improve thermal comfort by modernizing HVAC system. This will achieve a 32% improvement in energy efficiency.

    $810,160

    The Magdalen Islands

    Quebec

    Musée de la Mer des Îles-de-la-Madeleine: Geothermal upgrading and climate resilience

    Improve the performance of the envelope to save energy. Subsequently, an increase in auxiliary power will be necessary to relieve the overstressed geothermal units in the friable soil of the archipelago by about 40%. The new auxiliary system will consist of overhead VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) units to complement the geothermal system.

    $116,766

    Thessalon

    Ontario

    The Town of Thessalon Sustainability Initiative: Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Accessibility at the Thessalon Memorial Arena and Thessalon Curling Club

    This transformative project aims to modernize the Thessalon Memorial Arena and Curling Club by installing an energy-efficient CO2 refrigeration plant and implementing a suite of energy conservation measures, including electric resurfacing equipment, space temperature setbacks, and ice temperature optimization. The project will reduce electrical consumption by 35.3% and lower CO2e emissions by 42.4%, supporting Canada’s climate goals. Additionally, key accessibility upgrades, such as automatic door openers, improved washrooms, and ramp modifications, will ensure that the facility is inclusive for all community members. These improvements will safeguard the arena’s future, ensuring it remains a vital recreational hub for Town of Thessalon, Thessalon First Nation and many other surrounding communities.

    $2,000,000

    Thunder Bay

    *Announced on March 19, 2025

    Ontario

    Science North Thunder Bay: A Net Zero Attraction and Home for Science in Northwestern Ontario

    Build a net-zero science centre attraction in Thunder Bay, designed to the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standard (V4) and provide accessible community services to 67,500 people annually, including populations experiencing higher needs.

    $20,000,000

    Toronto

    Ontario

    YMCA Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre

    This is a new mixed-use community and recreation centre, owned by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, will contain a combination of health, fitness and child programming along with leased spaces for local community social and health services. The facility will be roughly 14,000 m2 and brings together numerous local small United Way community agencies alongside large established organizations like Scarborough Health Network (SHN) to weave health and well-being into this forward-thinking model of caring for all ages at all stages of their wellness journey.

    The project is targeting LEED certification, Toronto Green Standard Tier 2, and Fitwel – making it an example of healthy and climate-smart development. The current design includes ultra-efficient energy systems and low-carbon materials, and GICB funding will allow the project to achieve Zero Carbon Standard certification by eliminating fossil fuels and offsetting any residual emissions associated with the project.

    $9,000,000

    Toronto

    Ontario

    Central YMCA energy infrastructure retrofit

    Implement a variety of repairs and retrofit measures to significantly reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, which will ultimately result in a 38% reduction in fuel consumption, 32% reduction in fuel cost, and 49% reduction in carbon emissions.

    $1,060,152

    Toronto

    Ontario

    Oshawa YMCA energy infrastructure retrofit

    This is an existing, 5,794 sqm mixed-use community and recreation centre owned by the YMCA of Greater Toronto. It brings together the local community and features a wide range of health and fitness facilities and programs, childcare, and day camps. However, as an older building, the building currently contains a number of inefficient systems and building features, resulting in higher energy consumption and GHG emissions, as well as increased fuel cost.

    The project will implement a variety of repairs and retrofit measures to significantly reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, which will ultimately result in a 40% reduction in fuel consumption, 34% reduction in fuel cost, and 60% reduction in carbon emissions. With these measures funded through the GICB program, this project is an excellent example of retrofitting existing buildings to convert them into modern, high-performance facilities.

    $1,000,000

    Toronto

    Ontario

    Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC) Community Hub Revitalization and Energy Saving Retrofit

    Replace the windows and the roof, insulating walls and replace the 25-year-old rooftop HVAC units with a new, highly efficient centralized HVAC (VRF) system. Accessibility and fire safety systems will conform to the highest standards. The renovation will not only improve energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety but will reduce GHG emissions, make PARC more resilient to climate change and reduce the risks and costs associated with it.

    $500,000

    Toronto

    Ontario

    Westend YMCA energy retrofit

    Implement a variety of repairs and retrofit measures to significantly reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, which will ultimately result in a 39% reduction in fuel consumption, 32% reduction in fuel cost, and 44% reduction in carbon emissions.

    $414,624

    Town Of Bancroft

    Ontario

    The Green Ice Initiative:  Accessible and Sustainable Upgrades to the North Hastings Community Centre

    Upgrade to the Thermalcare refrigeration system, which is safer and offers up to a 41% reduction in energy costs, and install a universal washroom addressing the lack of accessible facilities in the arena.

    $1,944,217

    Town of Main Brook

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Moving Towards a Green Future – Revitalizing Community Spaces

    Retrofit an existing municipal storage and warehousing building to become a multi-purpose building that enhances community engagement and interactions, attracts guests, visitors and new families, and supports diverse and underserved local groups with a focus on mental health, aging in place, education and entertainment for youth.

    $230,323

    Town of Olds

    Alberta

    Olds Men’s Shed and Community Arts Hub: Activating the former Town of Olds Operations Shop

    Renovate the interior of the building to ensure it is safe, accessible, and functional as a community building while improving energy efficiency, lowering carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience. A Community Arts Hub would offer space for local artists to gather, create and share their talents through various projects and cultural events. The Hub would also be a place for community members to come together to engage in art creation, appreciate art, and participate in other cultural activities.

    $199,824

    Town of Whitby

    * Announced on March 14, 2025

    Ontario

    55+ – Feasibility Study / HVAC Upgrades & Interior Renovations

    Upgrade the Seniors Activity Centre HVAC systems, including new air handling units, rooftop unit condensers, replacement of hot water tanks, and building automation system upgrades.

    $798,486

    Township of Johnson

    Ontario

    Johnson Township Community Centre Green Efficiency Updates

    Improve the ice making plant, HVAC system, bathrooms, showers, lighting, and enclosure tightness. The installation of automation solutions and replacement of equipment long past its useful life, will reduce consumption, limit water usage, and reduce product waste throughout the building. This will increase energy efficiency’s by approximately 25%, reduce GHG emissions by approximately 35%, reduce costs by $45,000, and reduce water consumption by a minimum of 660,000 gallons annually.

    $1,309,728

    Trenton

    Ontario

    Wooler Schoolhouse Project

    The Wooler Schoolhouse Project will renovate the heritage 1915 Wooler Schoolhouse in Quinte West, Ontario to return it community service as a modernized, sustainable, climate change resilient, and accessible recreation facility. Renovations will include an addition to provide elevator access and a second emergency exit.
    The Schoolhouse’s 2.8-acre property will be developed to support outdoor recreational and cultural activities identified by the community. 

    The Project is led by the non-profit Wooler and Area Community Organization that will operate the renovated Schoolhouse to provide inclusive, affordable, local access to recreational programs and spaces for community events, services missing in the area since the demolition of the Wooler Town Hall in 2012.
    The revitalized Schoolhouse will become a sustainable platform for community engagement, economic development, preservation of history, and cultural events, including meeting the needs of underserved area youth and seniors.

    $1,000,000

    Village of Memramcook

    *Announced on March 21, 2025

    New Brunswick

    Memramcook Recreation Centre

    Build a sustainable recreation centre in the rural linguistic minority community. This centre will be a modern and inclusive space, designed to meet the needs of vulnerable groups such as at-risk youth, newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families. The centre will offer affordable and accessible programming. The project aligns with Canada’s net-zero carbon energy goals, aiming for net-zero energy performance.

    $6,000,000

    Waterloo

    Ontario

    MSCC Energy and Accessibility Retrofit

    Reductions Energy/GHG by electrification of (natural) gas heating systems, energy recovery, lighting, controls, and new roofing. Accessibility and inclusivity is enhanced with a new universal washroom, and automatic door operators. Community service offering is increased with a new arena dehumidifier with air conditioning.

    $2,399,582

    Westport

    Ontario

    WTC Communication Center GHG Reduction & Energy Efficiency Upgrades

    The Westport Community Arena Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Upgrades project aims to enhance the facility’s energy performance and environmental impact through a series of targeted measures. These include optimizing dehumidifier controls, installing air-source heat pump water heaters, implementing night temperature setbacks, and upgrading to LED lighting with occupancy sensors. Additionally, the project will integrate a hydronic forced-air bleacher heating system using reclaimed heat, and install a solar photovoltaic system on the roof. These upgrades will reduce energy consumption by 98.6%, lower operational costs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 96.1%, benefiting the entire Westport community by providing a more sustainable and cost-effective recreational facility. The project will also improve accessibility, indoor air quality and comfort for users, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable environment for all.

    $2,000,000

    Winnipeg

    *Announced on March 21, 2025

    Manitoba

    Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum Energy & Envelope Upgrade

    Replace windows, and mechanical systems including HVAC system with heat pumps, new ductwork, controls and energy recovery ventilators.

    $1,000,000

    Winnipeg

    *Announced on March 19, 2025

    Manitoba

    Riverview Community Centre –  Comprehensive Green Energy Retrofit: Interior & Exterior

    Replace mechanical systems and interior and exterior components that have exceeded their functional lifespan. These upgrades will improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and prepare the centre to serve the community in a carbon-constrained future.

     $924,079

    Yellowknife

    Northwest Territories

    Endacho Healing Lodge

    Build a new, energy efficient and eco-sensitive Endacho Healing Lodge that will be built as a place of harmony with the land and water. In this place, Indigenous people who have suffered trauma can heal by connecting with their culture and the land through a combination of traditional and western healing methods.  The Lodge is designed to integrate into the natural contours of the land, incorporating energy efficiency technology proven effective and sustainable in the northern environment.

    $7,000,000

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, State Highway 5, Rangitaiki

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 5 near Rangitaiki School Road, Taupo District.

    The crash was reported around 10:30am.

    Initial indications suggest multiple people have been seriously injured. Helicopters are enroute to transport the patients.

    The road is blocked and motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Federal government invests in greener public transit projects across Quebec

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    The federal government is investing over $400 million through the Zero Emission Transit Fund to support 11 projects across Quebec.

    Project information:

    Location

    Project Name

    Federal Funding

    Lévis

    Conversion of the St-Omer Garage to Electric Propulsion

    $7,625,369

    Lévis

    New Bus Depot for the Société de transport de Lévis

    $4,720,000

    Longueuil

    NCESH Phase 2: Opportunity File and Business File

    $10,757,430

    Longueuil

    Construction of electrical infrastructure and a bus charging shelter at the Vieux-Longueuil Operations Centre

    $34,835,216

    Longueuil

    Planning of Phase 1 for the Construction of the Saint-Hubert Operations Centre

    $8,579,879

    Montréal

    Electrification of the Anjou Transportation Centre

    $93,772,567

    Montréal

    Electrification of the St-Laurent Transportation Centre

    $106,774,883

    Montréal

    Partial electrification of the Legendre Transportation Centre

    $83,275,026

    Saguenay

    Electrification of the Garage of the Société de transport du Saguenay – Phase 1

    $15,577,230

    Sherbrooke

    Expansion of Cabana Operations Centre

    $30,805,687

    Québec

    Functional and Technical Program and Studies for the Lebourgneuf Centre

    $3,430,320

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Next steps on Garran Primary project

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Once complete, the school will have capacity for 975 students from preschool to year 6.

    The Garran Primary School modernisation and expansion project has reached another milestone.

    The school’s preferred design has been finalised and DA approval is being sought.

    Construction is expected to commence in late April 2024, pending DA approval.

    This project forms part of the ACT Government’s Infrastructure Plan education update.

    Once complete, Garran Primary School will have capacity for 975 students from preschool to year 6.

    The design was completed through collaboration between head contractor Joss Construction, the Education Directorate and Major Projects Canberra.

    The result will be a modern, sustainable and inclusive facility to support all students.

    It includes flexible spaces that will foster student development and learning.

    The school will also have a new modern gymnasium, new canteen, hard courts, better parking and green spaces to create a vibrant and dynamic environment.

    The school will continue to operate once construction begins.

    Safety will be paramount, with a construction site fence fully enclosing the building site at all times.

    The Garran Primary School modernisation and expansion project is part of the ACT Government’s investment in new and upgraded ACT public schools.

    With the Woden region continuing to see high enrolment growth, the project will help meet the area’s current and future needs.

    Garran Primary School first opened in 1967 and currently accommodates more than 600 students.

    For more information about this project please visit garranps.act.edu.au

    Canberrans can email any questions about the project to ACT.Education@act.gov.au

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Bashes Donald Trump’s Executive Order Aimed at Dismantling Education Department at the Expense of Children and Middle-Class Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    March 20, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to shut down the U.S. Department of Education, jeopardizing federal resources and support that millions of teachers and children in our education system depend on:

    “With this reckless executive order, Donald Trump is turning his back on tens of millions of students and middle-class families across the country. Dismantling the Department of Education will needlessly jeopardize critical resources that low-income students and children with disabilities need to receive the quality education they deserve—from pre-school to college and beyond. We should be doing all we can to strengthen our education system, not taking a chainsaw to a Department that supports the future of our children, our workforce and our economy. By signing this executive order, Trump is proving he cares more about carving out tax cuts for billionaires than he does supporting our children. As a mother of two girls, I am disgusted, mad as hell and committed to doing everything I can to repair the damage done by Trump’s relentless chaos.”

    Funding and support from the U.S. Department of Education in Illinois includes:

    Critical annual K-12 funding to Illinois to meet the needs of 4,000 K-12 schools and over two million K-12 students, including:

    • $652 million in annual funding for 295,000 students with disabilities – reflecting 15 percent of Illinois’s student population.
    • $778 million in annual funding for schools enrolling 1.3 million students from low-income backgrounds – reflecting 65 percent of Illinois’s student population.
    • $30 million in annual funding for about 240,000 English learners – reflecting 12 percent of Illinois’s student population.
    • $57 million in annual funding to support safe and healthy students and provide a well-rounded education.
    • $54 million in annual funding to support academic enrichment activities such as before and after school programs for students.
    • $8 million in annual funding for students enrolled in rural schools.
    • $36 million in annual funding to support children living on military bases or Native American reservations.

    Funding for Department of Education-administered workforce development programs, including:

    • $77 million in annual funding for career and technical education and workforce development in Illinois.
    • $152 million in annual funding to expand employment and services for individuals with disabilities in Illinois.

    Dispersing financial aid and supports to help students across Illinois to attend and complete college, including: $1 billion in Pell Grants reaching 226,000 students in Illinois.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Federal government invests in water and wastewater infrastructure to support more housing

    Belleville

    Ontario

    Avonlough Sanitary Pumping Station and Conveyance

    The Avonlough Sanitary Pumping Station and conveyance project will ultimately service approximately 9,000 new residential units in the west end of the City of Belleville. This project will unlock development lands in the Loyalist West Secondary Plan area by constructing a new sanitary pumping station, force main, and gravity and pressure sewers along Bridge Street West.

    $16,155,576

    Cape Breton Regional Municipality

    *Announced March 18, 2025

    Nova Scotia

    CBU Water Supply and Housing Development

    Cape Breton University’s growing campus requires increased housing availability in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the current campus requires a sustainable and dependable drinking water supply as the former operator of their private system, Nova Scotia Community College, has relocated to Downtown Sydney. This project will include a new water supply to Cape Breton University and the neighbouring Tanglewood subdivision development, which will support upwards of 200 new units.

    $10,200,000

    Cape Breton Regional Municipality

    *Announced March 18, 2025

    Nova Scotia

    Tartan Downs Development for Sydney, Nova Scotia

    This investment seeks to create a modern, vibrant neighborhood on a 24-acre site in the central urban district of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). The project aims to provide affordable housing, student and senior housing, community inclusion characteristics, and commercial/retail features. By addressing the affordable housing shortage in CBRM, the project will enhance social interaction, improve the well-being of residents, and offer opportunities for cultural exchanges.

    $6,921,194

    Clarenville

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Affordable Housing Project for Clarenville, NL

    This project involves upgrades to water and sewer distributions systems in Pleasant Street and Thompson Street Extension. To assist the Town of Clarenville in addressing current and future housing shortages, this project aims to support the construction of 173 new housing units, with the opportunity to build an additional 350 units in future.

    $3,701,705

    Curve Lake First Nation

    Ontario

    Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems for Curve Lake FN, ON: Installing up to three Miranda systems to support growing infrastructure with a sustainable, future-ready solution

    The Curve Lake First Nation Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System project seeks to address the community’s pressing wastewater challenges by implementing modern and sustainable solutions that meet immediate needs and support long-term growth. The project includes feasibility studies, site planning, and the construction of three decentralized wastewater treatment systems using Miranda’s Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) technology. Unlike traditional systems that require extensive land use and maintenance, the Miranda system offers a compact, scalable, and cost-effective solution.

    This project represents a forward-thinking approach to wastewater management. By addressing current needs while preparing for future growth, the decentralized systems will ensure a healthier, more sustainable community for generations to come.

    $8,184,800

    East Hants

    *Announced March 20, 2025

    Nova Scotia

    Brookside Wastewater Revitalization

    This project aims to increase overall wastewater capacity for both short-term and long-term growth in Lantz. It will support the rebalancing of wastewater catchment areas through Lantz in a way that enables capacity, and be built with resiliency that sets up both existing and future infrastructure in the area for impacts from extreme weather events that can cause localized flooding, inflow, and infiltration into the wastewater system. This project aims to support the development of 128 dwellings as well as setting up for further growth beyond that for Lantz. This project will take relief off existing infrastructure that will prolong current asset life of those pre-existing wastewater catchment areas that are downstream of the project area.

    $6,307,410

    Fredericton

    New Brunswick

    Fredericton Northeast Growth Area Water System Extension

    This project aims to provide essential water and sewer infrastructure for the immediate development of the Northeast Growth Area, which will include a variety of residential development ranging from single detached dwellings, various forms of missing middle housing, and apartments from 4-8 floors. The Northeast Growth Area features a number of affordable housing developments by local non-profits along with a co-operative housing development. The additional 900 units are on city-owned land, which supports one of the City’s initiatives through the Housing Accelerator Fund to create neighbourhoods of the future – enabling mixed use development on City-owned properties.

    $3,552,027

    Greater Sudbury

    *Announced March 21, 2025

    Ontario

    Lively-Walden Wastewater System Upgrades Project for the City of Greater Sudbury, Ontario

    The Lively-Walden Wastewater System Upgrades will increase sanitary sewer capacity in the Lively/Walden sewershed within the City of Greater Sudbury. The infrastructure upgrades will enable the construction of 3,300 new homes in the City.

    $27,980,000

    Hamilton

    Ontario

    The Lotus Avenue Wastewater Upgrade project

    The Lotus Avenue Wastewater Upgrade project is a vital infrastructure initiative designed to support the development of 261 purpose-built rental units at 60 Caledon Avenue in Hamilton. This wastewater upgrade will increase the system’s capacity, enabling it to support the 261 residential units and allow for the future development of an additional 384 residential units in the community.

    $500,000

    Iqaluit

    Nunavut

    Collaborative land development for Iqaluit, Nunavut

    The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), and the City of Iqaluit (City) have collectively identified the benefits of a collaboration to advance land development in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

    The creation of a private-public collaboration between the local Inuit organizations and municipal government is an innovative approach to ease the land deficit faced by Iqaluit. This collaboration will enable development of the Inuit Owned Land (IOL) and provide access to and develop the landlocked municipal lands north of the IOL. This development area will promote a prominent gateway to the City of Iqaluit; linking the airport terminal to the City Core Area.

    $33,002,103

    Memramcook

    *Announced March 21, 2025

    New Brunswick

    Memramcook Water Distribution System Expansion Project – Phase 4

    The main objective of the Memramcook Water Distribution System Expansion Project – Phase 4 is to strengthen the municipal infrastructure by expanding the existing water distribution system to meet the growing drinking water needs of residents. This capital project includes the new construction and modernization of existing infrastructure.

    $4,119,339

    Michipicoten First Nation

    Ontario

    Michipicoten First Nation Water Treatment Plan Upgrades

    The project will upgrade Michipicoten First Nation’s water treatment plant, increasing the plant capacity by 250% to allow the community to support the increasing on-reserve population and planned housing developments. This work will allow for a filter-to-waste feature enabling the plant to meet regulations for water treatment. project will also increase the current reservoir’s volume for fire protection.

    $10,834,746

    Mississauga

    Ontario

    Reconstruction of Little Etobicoke Creek in Mississauga, Ontario

    This project addresses urgent stormwater management challenges in the Little Etobicoke Creek corridor to enable housing growth and enhance climate resilience. The reconstruction plan includes upgrades to the watercourse and essential infrastructure, to significantly increase flow capacity and mitigate flood risks. These improvements will unlock developable land for 6,300 new housing units in a key growth area centered around the Dixie GO Major Transit Station Area (MTSA).

    $24,247,888

    Municipality of Lakeshore

    Ontario

    County Road 22 Sanitary Sewer Expansion for Municipality of Lakeshore, Ontario

    This project is designed to address critical wastewater infrastructure challenges in the Municipality of Lakeshore, Essex County, while supporting anticipated population growth by 2042. The project directly benefits over 2,600 homes by protecting them from flooding and facilitates development in the Wallace Woods Secondary Planning Area, which is expected to accommodate approximately 53,000 residents.

    $36,814,400

    Municipality of the County of Kings

    Nova Scotia

    New Zeke Brook Water Treatment Plant and Well Systems, Greenwood, Nova Scotia

    This project involves the construction of a new water treatment plant and related well systems for the Greenwood Water Utility, owned and operated by the Municipality of the County of Kings. It involves expanding the servicing capacity of the Greenwood Water Utility by constructing and connecting the new groundwater supply and drinking water treatment facility to the Greenwood Water Utility. This would enable residential housing development along Highway 201, a density housing project in the Village and western areas of Greenwood, and potentially provide future drinking water service connection to the Village of Kingston.

    $1,459,304

    Oromocto

    New Brunswick

    Installing of Water, Sewer Infrastructure in Cyr St Extension to Open Up Town Owned High Density Residential Zoned Property to Increase Supply of Multi-unit Housing

    This project involves installing water and wastewater infrastructure to unlock access to 5.7 hectares of Town-owned land, including 4.4 hectares zoned for high-density residential development. This project could support an additional 300 dwelling units, along with commercial amenities, all within walking distance of an existing school.

    $899,625

    Petrolia

    Ontario

    Upsizing Petrolia Line/Oil Heritage Road Watermain in Petrolia, Ontario

    This project includes replacing the existing watermain on Petrolia Line from the east of Bear Creek to Oil Heritage Road and further south.

    The southeast end of Petrolia is facing a residential development roadblock as the current watermain cannot support any additional dwellings. The success of this project will enable five developments to resume, resulting in 1,032 new units to Petrolia’s housing supply.

    $1,347,802

    Port Colborne

    Ontario

    Investing in Tomorrow: Improvements to Port Colborne’s Infrastructure to Support Housing Growth

    This project entails accelerating the construction of housing-enabling infrastructure to create new housing supply and improve densification in three areas of Port Colborne:

    1. Sugarloaf Street and Marina Drive,
    2. Highway 140 and Highway 3, and
    3. Lockview Park.

    The construction of 850 units in Sugarloaf Street and Marina Drive will lead to increased wastewater flows, which the City’s existing sewer network cannot adequately handle.

    The City plans to provide additional wastewater capacity via a new 300mm diameter forcemain and by utilizing the Niagara Region’s new servicing tunnel. This essential infrastructure will directly support a 2,240 home subdivision by addressing the City’s wastewater capacity limitations on the east side of the canal.

    $19,250,000

    Riverview

    New Brunswick

    Mill Creek Naturalized Stormwater Pond

    The Mill Creek Naturalized Detention Pond project is an initiative focused on the new construction of essential stormwater management infrastructure to support the full build-out of Carriage Hill, Riverview’s fastest-growing residential neighborhood. This pond is a critical requirement for the construction of over 939 residential units, as well as other development in the area.

    $800,000

    Saskatoon

    Saskatchewan

    Infill and Redevelopment Water and Sewer Capacity Improvement, City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

    This project seeks to achieve increased capacity for sewer and watermains to allow for infill growth in identified areas of the city. This will be done by replacing and upsizing key strategic watermains and sewer mains that serve large portions of the city. Replacing these with higher capacity mains will open areas of the city for infill. The projects are expected to provide capacity to add an additional 2,400 residences to areas that can currently support 4,975 residences.

    $9,729,820

    Saskatoon

    Saskatchewan

    New Organics Processing Facility for Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

    This project will build a city-owned organics processing facility that will provide the City of Saskatoon with the ability to process all organic waste from the green cart program and from residential and commercial waste drop-off.  The facility will also be built to accommodate for the City’s future growth. In addition, by diverting organic waste away from the landfill, this project will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental pollution.

    $8,480,000

    Sault Ste. Marie

    Ontario

    West End Treatment Plant Upgrades – Phase 2 for the City of Sault Ste. Marie

    This project will help ensure that the West End Wastewater Treatment Plant (WEWTP) can continue to meet the needs of Sault Ste. Marie’s growing population and forecasted housing needs into the next decade. The City is undertaking important upgrades to its WEWTP to support planned growth in the west catchment area, reduce maintenance demands, and improve operational efficiencies.

    $22,981,000

    Torbay

    *Announced March 21, 2025

    Newfoundland and Labrador

    Addressing Drinking Water Infrastructure Issues in the Town of Torbay

    The proposed project involves the construction of a new municipal water supply to ensure the supply of clean, safe, and reliable drinking water for the community and its residents. This facility aims to address current challenges such as aging infrastructure, insufficient capacity to supply the town with clean drinking water, and the increasing demand for potable water due to population growth. Additionally, it seeks to meet or exceed regulatory standards for water quality and support sustainable water management practices.
    The construction of a new water supply facility aims to achieve several key objectives, primarily focused on ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply.

    $26,886,875

    Whitehorse

    Yukon

    Water Treatment Plant for Whitehorse, Yukon

    The Selkirk Water Treatment Plant (WTP) upgrade project aims to address critical public health and infrastructure challenges faced by the City of Whitehorse. The overarching objective is to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water that meets Yukon Environmental Health Services regulations and accommodates the city’s projected population growth through 2040 and beyond. The Selkirk WTP will serve 11,293 existing housing units and enable the development of 7,338 new housing units by 2045, directly supporting Whitehorse’s growth objectives.

    $44,197,078

    Yellowknife

    Northwest Territories

    Lift Station #1 and Sewage Forcemain Replacement – City of Yellowknife

    This project is for the complete replacement of Lift Station #1 and the accompanying sewage forcemain, as well as the demolition of the old lift station once permanent connections are established and the replacement project is complete. Lift Station #1 is the second largest sewage lift station in the City’s wastewater conveyance system. Yellowknife and the service area for this lift station have grown considerably and the age and design capacity of this lift station is becoming an impediment to future development.

    $41,025,000

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Making Britain a science superpower

    Source: Liberal Democrats UK

    British scientists and researchers already punch above their weight. This technological innovation is essential to tackling the major challenges of our time; climate breakdown, conflict, economic stagnation, crumbling public services, and social unrest.

    The last Conservative government utterly failed UK science and innovation with a total lack of strategy and interest. From their hostile attitude towards international collaboration and ideological hostility to sensible regulation, to the shambolic adoption of technology in the public sector and chaotic management of the economy putting off investment.

    Now the new Labour Government risks making the same mistakes. Already they have cancelled the exascale supercomputer in Edinburgh, a short-sighted cost-saving measure, symbolic of their lack of vision and understanding of how science and technology works.

    Liberal Democrats take a different approach, one grounded in our values of internationalism, respect for individual rights, and challenging concentrations of power. 

    Today we’re setting out the rescue plan that science and innovation in the UK needs:

    • A national and international science and technology strategy that raises R&D spending to 3.5% of GDP.
    • Measures to invest in education, including through a teacher workforce strategy to ensure every secondary school child is taught STEM subjects by a specialist.
    • A National People Strategy alongside an industrial strategy to ensure the UK workforce has the necessary skills and people are protected from disruption.
    • Measures to strengthen UK universities as world leaders in research including by fully participating in Horizon Europe, and enacting a decade-long program of increasing and improving research funding with a package of measures to improve spin-outs.
    • Sensible regulation of AI, including a National AI Strategy.
    • A comprehensive public sector technology policy and investment plan.
    • Tackling regional inequality through a digital inclusion strategy, national investment in digital infrastructure and investing in local government.
    • Investing in green technologies to help mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Kariega residents share their reflections on Human Rights Day

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The residents of Kariega in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality have shared their thoughts on the significance of Human Rights Day, emphasising the importance of freedom, self-expression, and government accountability. 

    Speaking to SAnews, 17-year-old Luphumelo Hini from KwaNobuhle said Human Rights Day represented her ability to express herself freely and pursue her dreams without restrictions.

    “Human Rights to me means that we are able to express ourselves in different ways, we are able to live our lives freely, we are able to follow and fulfil our dreams and do a whole lot of things that many people who do not have human rights and are not given freedom are not able to do,” Hini said. 

    She added that the presence of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the event made her feel recognised. 

    “It means a lot for me for the Deputy President to come and address us because it means he acknowledges us, and he realises the importance of Human Rights Day. It just shows that he has the spirit of Ubuntu,” she said.

    Similarly, 29-year-old Sinethemba Krweda expressed his appreciation for the Deputy President’s attendance, noting that young people are eager to learn about the government’s role in protecting their rights.

    “We do have rights as people. The first right is that we are free and can move freely, unlike during the apartheid era. We are also able to study and further our education. We appreciate that the Deputy President is here so he can hear our concerns, particularly regarding the high unemployment rate among the youth,” Krweda said.

    Speaking ahead of the main event, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of communities as South Africa marks Human Rights Day.

    Mabuyane emphasised that the day is not just about remembrance but also the tangible efforts made to transform people’s lives.

    “To us, this is not just about celebrating or commemorating Human Rights Day – it’s about what we are doing to change people’s lives here. If you look around, you can see the … challenges that our people still facing. But we are doing our level best to turn the tide,” Mabuyane said.

    The area has been among the hardest hit by natural disasters, further exacerbating socio-economic struggles. However, the Premier assured residents that government has a concrete plan to support affected communities. 

    “We have a plan to ensure that we rescue our people out of these kinds of challenges,” he said.

    Mabuyane welcomed the visit by the Deputy President to the province, saying his presence reinforces government’s commitment to ensuring that historically marginalised communities are not left behind.

    “The people of this area must know that they are part of the history of our country, and they must feel the presence of the government,” he said.

    Deputy President Mashatile is set to deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Human Rights Day commemoration event. 

    The programme began with a visit to James Ndulula Primary School, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at Langa Memorial in Kariega. 

    Meanwhile at the main event the festivities began with lively performances that had the crowd dancing and cheering in anticipation of the Deputy President’s speech.

    This year’s Human Rights Day commemorative events are being held under the theme, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights”.

    The theme calls for renewed commitment from all levels of society to accelerate practical solutions for inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and addressing the high cost of living while building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

    South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day annually on 21 March in remembrance of the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, where 69 anti-apartheid protesters were killed by apartheid police. 

    The day also honours the 35 people killed on 21 March 1985 in Uitenhage and KwaLanga when apartheid police targeted community members after a funeral. – SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister commits to better access to quality sporting facilities

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, March 21, 2025

    The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has emphasised the importance of investing in school sports to provide young people with opportunities and prevent delinquency.

    The Minister officially handed over a newly built multi-purpose sports facility at the James Ndulula Primary School on Friday, as part of the Human Rights Day commemorations in Kariega, Eastern Cape. 

    The Deputy President Paul Mashatile was also present during the handover ceremony before his address at the main Human Rights Day event at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium. 

    Speaking at the school, Minister McKenzie said: “I believe that a kid in sport is a kid out of court. We have many young people in conflict with the law because they have nothing to do. When we say we want to fix school sport, we have to start with facilities.”

    “What you see here today is what you will see throughout the country. We are going to fix all the facilities where our children can train and play. It is their right to have proper facilities because when they get to university, they compete against children who come from top-paying schools and are at a disadvantage,” the Minister said. 

    The Minister highlighted that human rights extend beyond physical rights and include access to quality sporting facilities. 

    “The right to have good sporting facilities is also a basic human right for our children,” he stated.

    He further committed to prioritising historically neglected areas in schools and ensuring a diverse range of sporting opportunities for learners. 

    “I am going to concentrate on the areas that were neglected before. We are going to have tennis courts and all these other facilities in our schools going forward,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President calls for action to tackle unemployment, inequality

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for urgent and sustained efforts to address unemployment and inequality, describing them as fundamental human rights issues.

    Speaking at the national Human Rights Day commemoration in Kariega, the Deputy President acknowledged South Africa’s economic progress but said the country’s 31.9% unemployment rate remained an indicator of persistent socio-economic challenges.

    “The pursuit of a just and equitable society is a complex endeavour. While South Africa has experienced notable economic growth through expanding economic participation, the harsh reality of a 31.9% unemployment rate starkly reveals our ongoing struggle against poverty and inequality,” he said. 

    The Deputy President stressed this was not just an economic issue but a matter of fairness and human rights, requiring collective action from all sectors of society. 

    “This is not merely an economic issue, it represents a fundamental matter of human rights and fairness, demanding concerted and sustained effort from all of us. The lack of economic and employment opportunities has a direct correlation to poverty, and it exacerbates inequality,” the Deputy President said.

    He highlighted the government’s efforts to create economic opportunities through policy and legislative measures, citing key employment programmes that have benefitted millions of young people.

    “Government is working to create more opportunities for all citizens through various policy and legislative frameworks. Programmes such as the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) are providing work experience to over 1.5 million young people, 70% of whom are women,” he said. 

    Other initiatives like the National Skills Fund Disabilities Programme and the Social Employment Fund also address youth unemployment. 

    The Deputy President emphasised that government remains committed to strengthening the safety net for the most vulnerable in society and will leave no one behind. 

    Against the backdrop of Human Rights Day, he underscored the significance of youth engagement in shaping South Africa’s democracy. 

    Across the country, he said, young people continue to step forward to shape the future of the nation’s democracy, ensuring that the rights enshrined in the Constitution are not just theoretical but truly lived.

    He lauded young leaders participating in the Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Camp at Nelson Mandela University, an initiative supported by the Departments of Higher Education and Training and Health.

    “This leadership programme is about more than just discussions it is about preparing young leaders to champion civic engagement, ethical leadership, and economic justice in their institutions and communities,” he said.

    Reflecting on the theme “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights,” the Deputy President emphasised the need to equip young people with the necessary tools and platforms to effect meaningful change. 

    “We must ensure that we continue to empower young people with the correct tools, platforms, and opportunities to become the leaders of tomorrow – leaders who, like Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe, do not just accept the status quo but actively work to transform it for the better,” he said. 

    Deputy President Mashatile commended young people nationwide for their efforts in advocating for justice and progress. 

    “I commend the young people in this programme, whom I am told are here in the stadium and all those across the country who continue to fight for dignity, justice, and progress. South Africa’s future is in your hands, and today, we celebrate your voices, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to human rights,” he said. 

    Building a just society

    The Deputy President said building a just society involves ensuring continued access to critical services such as electricity, water, housing and sanitation to improve the quality of life for citizens.

    He noted that government has made substantial progress towards achieving these rights. Between 2011 and 2022, access to water rose to 88.5%, while access to improved sanitation reached 80.7%.

    “We are also working to increase access to affordable housing through initiatives such as First Home Finance, which is about the provision of serviced sites for qualifying beneficiaries, small-scale affordable rentals, and other strategic interventions that go beyond legislative measures to address the 2.4 million housing backlog,” he said. 

    Land expropriation

    The Deputy President underscored the nation’s land reform agenda as a crucial step in addressing historical injustices, as it acknowledged that land dispossession remains one of the most lasting and difficult legacy of the apartheid era.

    He said the Expropriation Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in January this year, signifies a shift towards a more inclusive approach to land ownership, incorporating the principle of ‘public interest’ in land acquisition, and demonstrating a commitment to social justice and redress.

    “We would like to reiterate that South Africa, as a sovereign state, would not disregard its policies and activities aimed at rectifying historical injustices due to external pressure. We are confident that we have chosen the correct path to establishing an equitable society, and we will not deviate from it,” the Deputy President said. 

    This year’s Human Rights Day commemorative events were held at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium, in Kariega under the theme “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights”.

    The theme calls for renewed commitment from all levels of society to accelerate practical solutions for inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and addressing the high cost of living while building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

    South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day annually on 21 March in remembrance of the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, where 69 anti-apartheid protesters were killed by apartheid police. The day also honours the 35 people killed on 21 March 1985 in Uitenhage and KwaLanga when apartheid police targeted community members after a funeral. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Green Party’s Swarbrick calls for urgent NZ action over Israel’s ‘crazy’ Gaza slaughter

    Asia Pacific Report

    Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick called on New Zealand government MPs today to support her Member’s Bill to sanction Israel over its “crazy slaughter” of Palestinians in Gaza.

    Speaking at a large pro-Palestinian solidarity rally in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city Auckland, she said Aotearoa New Zealand could no longer “remain a bystander to the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza”.

    In the fifth day since Israel broke the two-month-old ceasefire and refused to begin negotiations on phase two of the truce — which was supposed to lead to a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the besieged enclave and an exchange of hostages — health officials reported that the death toll had risen above 630, mostly children and women.

    Five children were killed in a major overnight air attack on Gaza City and at least eight members of the family remained trapped under the rubble as Israeli attacks continued in the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

    Confirmed casualty figures in Gaza since October 7, 2023, now stand at 49,747 with 113,213 wounded, the Gaza Health Ministry said.

    For more than two weeks, Israel has sealed off border crossings and barred food, water and electricity and today it blew up the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, the only medical institution in Gaza able to provide cancer treatment.

    “The research has said it from libraries, libraries and libraries. And what is it doing in Gaza?” said Swarbrick.

    ‘Ethnic cleansing . . . on livestream’
    “It is ethnic cleansing. It is apartheid. It is genocide. And we have that delivered to us by  livestream to each one of us every single day on our cellphones,” she said.

    “That is crazy. It is crazy to wake up every single day to that.”

    Swarbrick said Aotearoa New Zealand must act now to sanction Israel for its crimes — “just like we did with Russia for its illegal action in Ukraine.”

    She said that with the Green Party, Te Pāti Māori and Labour’s committed support, they now needed just six of the 68 government MPs to “pass my Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill into law”.

    “There’s no more time for talk. If we stand for human rights and peace and justice, our Parliament must act,” she said.

    “Action for Gaza Now” banner heads a march protesting against Israel’s resumed attacks on the besieged Strip in Auckland today. Image: APR

    In September, Aotearoa had joined 123 UN member states to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for Israel’s “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence”.

    “Our government has since done nothing to fulfil that commitment. Our Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill starts that very basic process.

    “No party leader or whip can stop a Member of Parliament exercising their democratic right to vote how they know they need to on this Bill,” she said to resounding cheers.

    ‘No hiding behind party lines’
    “There is no more hiding behind party lines. All 123 Members of Parliament are each individually, personally responsible.”

    Several Palestinian women spoke of the terror with the new wave of Israeli bombings and of their families’ personal connections with the suffering in Gaza, saying it was vitally important to “hear our stories”. Some spoke of the New Zealand government’s “cowardice” for not speaking out in opposition like many other countries.

    About 1000 people took part in the protest in a part of Britomart’s Te Komititanga Square in a section now popularly known as “Palestine Corner”.

    Amid a sea of banners and Palestinian flags there were placards declaring “Stop the genocide”, “Jews for tangata whenua from Aotearoa to Palestine”, “Hands off West Bank End the occupation” , “The people united will never be defeated”, “Decolonise your mind, stand with Palestine,” “Genocide — made in USA”, and “Toitū Te Tiriti Free Palestine”.

    “Genocide – Made in USA” poster at today’s Palestinian solidarity rally. Image: APR

    The ceasefire-breaking Israeli attacks on Gaza have shocked the world and led to three UN General Assembly debates this week on the Middle East.

    France, Germany and Britain are among the latest countries to condemn Israel for breaching the ceasefire — describing it as a “dramatic step backwards”, and France has told the UN that it is opposed to any form of annexation by Israel of any Palestinian territory.

    Meanwhile, Sultan Barakat, a professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, told Al Jazeera in an interview that the more atrocities Israel committed in Gaza, the more young Palestinian men and women would join Hamas.

    “So it’s not going to disappear any time soon,” he said.

    With Israel killing more than 630 people in five days and cutting off all aid to the Strip for weeks, there was no trust on the part of Hamas to restart the ceasefire, Professor Barakat said.

    “Jews for tangata whenua from Aotearoa to Palestine” . . . a decolonisation placard at today’s Palestine solidarity rally in Auckland. Image: APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Book-gifting program sparks kids’ imaginations

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book-gifting program devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children.

    A pilot phase of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been launched in Belconnen.

    Started by the famous singer in the US in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book-gifting program devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children.

    A committed group of stakeholders from ACT Government and community organisations collaborated to create Imagination Library Kippax, which services Holt, Higgins, MacGregor and Latham.

    The group has secured funding to provide books to 146 children for two years.

    These families have a free, age-appropriate book delivered to their home each month, plus a tip sheet to help them engage with the books.

    The Imagination Library Evatt/McKellar pilot has also commenced via the Evatt Primary School Family Connect program.

    Pilot suburbs were selected due to Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data that identified higher developmental vulnerability in children in these areas.

    “Libraries ACT is excited to be partnering with so many like-minded community partners and other Government directorates to bring the Imagination Library to the ACT,” Penny Davies from Libraries ACT said.

    “Children learn best through everyday activities like singing, talking and playing games. Normalising reading as a daily activity is an important part of this. Reading aloud to children starting at birth helps build brain connections during the formation of the critical early years.

    “Public libraries play an important role in the development of early childhood literacy and the Imagination Library is a wonderful addition to the range of resources and programs available to families,” she said.

    While the Imagination Library program was introduced to Australia in 2013, it is new to the ACT.

    The Imagination Library of Australia has shown outstanding results, including increasing the amount of time parents read with their child.

    In Tamworth alone, babies’ enrolments at public libraries increased by 1000 per cent.

    The program now operates in every state and territory excluding Tasmania.

    Local families with children aged 0-3 can access the Imagination Library via local community partners, including Early Family Support (EFS) and Maternal and Child Health (MACH) services, Uniting Children and Families ACT, Capital Region Community Services (CRCS), HIPPY Australia, and The Smith Family.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Killers with severe mental health issues are perceived as monsters – a terrible failure of academics like me

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Crawford, Professor of Health Humanities, University of Nottingham

    According to an investigation by Hundred Families, a charity that supports and advocates for families affected by mental health homicides, each year an average of 65 mentally ill people carry out killings. Between 2018-2023, 390 mental health patients in England committed, or were suspected of, murder or manslaughter.

    The findings come after an independent report exposed a series of NHS failures in the treatment of Valdo Calocane, a man with schizophrenia who killed three people in Nottingham in 2023.

    The cases of killers Calocane and Axel Rudakubana – who stabbed three small girls to death and attempted to kill several others in Southport in 2024 when he was 17 years-old – have sparked fierce debate over the place within wider society of people with severe mental health issues. According to many, it appears they don’t have one.

    Calocane and Rudakubana were labelled “evil”, “sadistic” and “cowardly”, amid renewed calls for the reinstatement of the death penalty.

    When sentencing Rudakubana to a minimum term of 52 years in January 2025, Mr Justice Goose said: “Many who have heard the evidence might describe what he did as evil, who could dispute it?”

    Public opinion on the likes of Calocane and Rudakubana seems clear: they are monsters, capable only of inflicting misery on others. At best, they don’t deserve to live among right-minded people. At worst, they don’t deserve to live at all.

    It’s now known that both Calocane and Rudakubana had received treatment for severe mental health issues but stopped engaging with health services before committing their crimes. In the eyes of many – including media commentators, politicians and sizeable swaths of the public – suffering severe mental health illness doesn’t affect someone’s responsibility for their actions.

    As a human being, I regard the prevailing narrative around stories such as Calocane’s and Rudakubana’s with a tremendous sense of sadness. As an academic specialising in social and cultural perspectives of mental health, I regard it with a profound sense of frustration – and maybe even failure. Let me try to explain why.

    A question of accountability

    A key reason why those with severe mental health issues are customarily condemned as wicked and irredeemable is that we continue to believe that a person should invariably be held accountable for their own actions. This is a damagingly simplistic view.

    Media coverage of Rudakubana often described him as ‘evil’

    Anyone who has worked in the field of mental health knows there are many cases in which people’s minds, to all intents and purposes, aren’t their own. Those, like Calocane, suffering from an overwhelming condition such as schizophrenia, for example, frequently have no grasp of reality and have hampered moral reasoning.

    It’s reasonable to say some people with severe mental health issues can represent a danger to themselves and others. But this doesn’t mean they should be abandoned or “locked up”. What they need is support from mental health systems that are genuinely integrated, effective and reliable.

    Calocane and Rudakubana’s victims, their families and all those cruelly affected by their crimes were catastrophically let down in this respect. But so were Calocane and Rudakubana. The notion that the pair “stopped engaging” is a poor excuse for the cataclysmic shortcomings of a system that should be rooted in diligence, outreach and persistent follow-ups.

    However uncomfortable the idea, much of the accountability here lies not with the killers – and that, of course, is what they are – but with those who left them unsupported and in a position to devastate others’ lives and their own. Ultimately, it’s the system itself that disengages – sometimes with the most appalling consequences.

    When findings alone aren’t enough

    Numerous studies have shown how those in the grip of psychosis and similar illnesses don’t choose to be “evil”. They don’t choose to experience horrific delusions about the world around them. They don’t choose to endure hallucinations that tell them to carry out terrible acts.

    Yet the broader public seems to have little or no interest in such findings. Alarmingly, the same might be said of many policymakers. Their knowledge and opinions are instead more likely to be shaped by rhetoric and knee-jerk denunciation.

    This goes to the heart of a major challenge for academics in my own field and for the research community as a whole: how best to communicate our work and make it truly accessible. We need to accept that research alone is often woefully insufficient.

    A few years ago, in collaboration with Aardman Animations, the studio behind household names such as Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, I produced a series of short films highlighting young people’s mental health. In months, these films reached an audience of more than 17 million. More recently, in another effort to spread the word, I wrote The Wonders of Doctor Bent, a novel that explores society’s lingering propensity to treat isolated and tormented people with the utmost contempt.

    None of this is to say research is pointless – yet it’s surely of limited value if the insights it delivers remain largely unacknowledged, especially where matters of the most extraordinary significance are concerned.

    As the unhelpful clamour around mental health and “monsters” drags on, the lesson is both clear and familiar: the best way of having conversations about stigma, responsibility and the cost of abdicating our social obligations to those suffering from severe mental illness is to involve the whole of society. Not just the mental health community, police and the justice system, but the general public as well.

    Paul Crawford receives funding from UK Research and Innovation including Arts and Humanities Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, UKRI Cross Council, The Leverhulme Trust, The British Academy

    – ref. Killers with severe mental health issues are perceived as monsters – a terrible failure of academics like me – https://theconversation.com/killers-with-severe-mental-health-issues-are-perceived-as-monsters-a-terrible-failure-of-academics-like-me-252053

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attack at Crocus City Hall

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    March 22 marks the first anniversary of the inhumane terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall.

    It killed 145 people and injured 551. It was the largest terrorist attack in Russian history in terms of casualties since the hostage taking at School No. 1 in Beslan in 2004.

    On March 22, 2024, at 19:55, before a concert by the rock band Piknik, several armed terrorists entered the Crocus City Hall building, shot the guards, and moved toward the concert hall, killing everyone in their path. They set the hall on fire and left the scene of the crime, heading in a waiting car toward the border with Ukraine.

    Thanks to the prompt actions of law enforcement agencies, 11 suspects were detained the next day, including the perpetrators of the terrorist attack. As of January 2025, 27 defendants have been charged. On March 7, another criminal was detained in the United States, who admitted that he had trained the perpetrators of this terrorist attack.

    A graduate student of the Institute of Information Systems of the State University of Management, member of the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps Matvey Ulyanov participated in the liquidation of the consequences of the fire in Crocus City Hall. Our other students organized donor trips to donate blood and cytoplasm to victims of the terrorist attack.

    Today, the State University of Management remembers the shock and horror that we experienced on the evening of March 22 last year. We express our condolences to the relatives of all those killed and hope that none of us will ever have to experience anything like this again.

    A grand opening of a memorial to the victims of the terrorist attack is planned for March 22, 2025, in front of the Crocus City Hall building.

    Photo by Matvey Ulyanov

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/22/2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ‘Unleashing’ opportunities for CIT students

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Students get hands-on experience in caring for dogs.

    Forget laptops – for some students, giving treats and tummy rubs are all in a day’s learning.

    Nestled alongside bushland at CIT’s Bruce campus, CIT Dog Day Care is an authentic learning environment for aspiring animal care professionals.

    Here, students pursuing careers in animal care gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

    This not only equips them with essential skills towards a career in a field facing a shortage of qualified professionals, it’s also just great fun.

    Erin, a current CIT student, says “I’ve always wanted to do an animal course. Working here gives us a real hands-on experience so that we know what we should be looking for. We’re supported the whole way by our teachers to work with the dogs and their owners – the support gives you a real boost to deal with all parts of the job.”

    Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students provide the best of care for their doggy clients.

    This practical experience is complemented by classroom lessons throughout the week.

    Some students are completing Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASBAs), some are Fee-Free TAFE course graduates – all are gaining foundational skills towards a career in anything from veterinary nursing to dog grooming.

    As well as learning the optimal ways of communicating with the dogs in their care, students develop customer service skills liaising with their owners.

    Small dogs attend day care on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and large dogs on Fridays.

    The numbers of participating dogs are limited, ensuring students get to know each one well enough to offer individualised care.

    Each day, the dogs enjoy high-quality care including multiple walks, grooming or bath time, play, basic training and socialisation – and plenty of attention and affection.

    Maree, a supervisor, says the facility is “a unique space for students to develop real skills. Here they get a lot of preparation, true hands-on dog experience. They have an opportunity to see a range of natural behaviours and are able to develop the skills to manage situations in a supportive environment, all whilst collaborating and learning from other students.”

    The CIT Dog Day Care facility has become popular with pet owners who appreciate the personalised attention their dogs receive from the enthusiastic and dedicated students and staff.

    Its success highlights the close relationship between the Canberra community, CIT and industry, creating a safe, enjoyable environment for furry friends while contributing to the development of the next generation of animal care professionals.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New logo and uniform for Canberra’s newest school

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Shirley Smith High School logo and uniform have been officially released.

    Today the Shirley Smith High School logo and uniform were officially released in advance of the new school’s first year of operation in 2024.

    Community input was sought on three potential design options for the school’s logo and uniform.

    Following this community consultation, the final logo and uniform were chosen.

    The final design concept chosen by the community is the ‘Curly S’.

    The Curly S logo represents the initials in the name Shirley Smith, as well as the handwritten and the mechanical coming together, to show the relationship between people, community and the institution of education.

    The community’s preferred colour for the logo is ‘fresh green’.

    The student uniforms have both the Curly S logo on the chest, as well as the handwritten S design on the uniform body.

    Located in Kenny, Shirley Smith High School is the ACT’s 91st public school.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Pharmacy trial expanded to include some oral contraceptives

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Pharmacist Rebecca Richardson.

    Canberrans who already use an oral contraceptive pill may be able to obtain a re-supply of their contraceptive at one of five participating pharmacies as part of a new trial.

    Under the pharmacy trial, which is being led collaboratively by NSW Health and the University of Newcastle, people aged 18 to 35 may be able to get their next supply of the pill after a consultation with a participating pharmacist if they have been:

    • taking their existing pill for contraceptive purposes; and
    • continuously prescribed a low-risk oral contraceptive pill in the last two years by a doctor or nurse practitioner.

    This initiative expands on the current trial of pharmacists supplying medications to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

    Enabling pharmacists to supply certain low-risk medications when it is safe to do so is one way of providing more timely access to medications and treatments for Canberrans and reducing pressures on primary health care providers and emergency departments.

    The highly trained pharmacists participating in the trial will be able to have a conversation with eligible Canberrans to determine whether they can provide medications, or whether the person needs to see a doctor or nurse practitioner.

    The five pharmacies participating in the trial are:

    • Capital Chemist Charnwood
    • Gold Creek Discount Drug Store
    • The Pharmacy on Petrie (Civic)
    • Erindale Pharmacy
    • Pharmasave Woden Pharmacy

    ACT Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild, Simon Blacker, said this is a step forward for Canberra women.

    “It’s a good example of community pharmacies partnering with GPs and other health professionals to treat common health conditions with increased accessibility, in a safe and efficient way to unclog the health system,” he said.

    “The ACT has now joined NSW, Queensland, and Victoria in the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill to women by community pharmacists. Community pharmacies in the ACT are ready to do more for patient’s health by having community pharmacists working to their full scope of practice, and we look forward to working further with the ACT Government on this.”

    For more information visit on the pharmacy prescribing trial for the oral contraceptive pill or uncomplicated UTIs, visit: www.health.act.gov.au/pharmacy-trial

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stromlo BMX track ready for new competition

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Riders can expect seven elite jumps and a progressive jump line with 10 rolls and jumps catering for beginners to intermediate levels.

    The new BMX freestyle facility at University of Canberra Stromlo Forest is ready to host its first event this weekend, the ACT Jam 2023.

    The track is designed by the Freestyle ACT BMX Club and caters to the needs of beginners entering the sport, right through to elite level riders.

    Riders can expect seven elite jumps and a progressive jump line with 10 rolls and jumps catering for beginners to intermediate levels.

    “I’m ecstatic to see Freestyle BMX be catered to with such a high-quality BMX facility. Off-road cycling tends to start with riding a BMX bike, jumping dirt jumps,” Tyson Jones-Peni, President, Freestyle ACT BMX Club, said.

    “The bike control you learn from Freestyle BMX riding is hard to replicate on any other bike and with a facility like this, we can expect to see the next generation of BMX rippers come out of Canberra,” he said.

    The BMX project is another step towards the ACT Government’s vision of the University of Canberra Stromlo Park Master Plan.

    The track provides a new place for the community to meet and be active while enjoying the increasingly popular sport.

    It is also ideal for hosting BMX freestyle events, such as the ACT Jam 2023.

    “Canberrans love riding bikes – we have the highest participation rate in the country. And with amazing facilities like we have here at UC Stromlo Forest Park, it’s not hard to see why,” Nick Hannan, Executive General Manager, AusCycling, said.

    “Around 16,000 Canberrans rode a mountain bike in the last year. What’s really exciting is that participation among women and girls has gone up more than 180% over the last five years. 

    “Local riders like Caroline Buchanan and Harriet Burbidge-Smith are winning some of the biggest events in the world and inspiring the next generation back home to get on a bike.”

    The ACT Jam is sponsored by Boost Mobile.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Local teacher inspires with story

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Sam Davies shares his story in the Be That Teacher campaign.

    UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra teacher Sam Davies loves being a teacher.

    He is just one of eight teachers across Australia sharing their stories in a new initiative called Be That Teacher.

    The joint Australian, state and territory government campaign aims to showcase the value and importance of teachers while encouraging people to consider a career in teaching.

    Teachers across Australia share why they choose to teach and their inspirational stories about the lasting impact they have had on their students.

    “If life is about creating meaningful moments, you get a meaningful moment every day in this profession,” Sam said.

    “Every day we have the opportunity to make a real and positive difference in the lives of our young people.”

    Ewen McMahon is one student at UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra who has benefitted from Sam’s dedication.

    “I only had him for one semester in Year 11 English, but he inspired me with just how involved he is in the class – how quickly he got to know everyone personally. He will go out of his way, in his own time, to make sure everyone’s okay and understanding the work, to check if anyone has questions and has what they need to get the work done,” Ewen said.

    “He just goes above and beyond. He just really cares and that comes out through in the way he teaches as well as who he is as a person.”

    While there are many excellent teachers like Sam across the country, more are needed.

    The National Teacher Workforce Action Plan was developed to address the national issue of teacher workforce shortages.

    It is hoped both the plan and the Be That Teacher campaign increase the number of people choosing to become teachers and ensure that existing teachers remain in the profession.

    If you are a school leaver, graduate or career switcher thinking about a career in teaching, view the pathways into teaching, scholarships and support available to you.

    “I hope that anyone considering a career in teaching will be touched by these remarkable stories, and that they will see how fulfilling this profession is,” Sam said.

    Read more on the Be That Teacher website.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: High school program inspiring gender equality

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Anna completed a site visit at the National Gallery of Australia.

    Anna Mongan felt sure she wanted to pursue a career in education.

    That was until she took advantage of the Understanding Building and Construction Program (UBCP) as a year 9 student at Melba-Copland Secondary School.

    The first of its kind in both the ACT and Australia, the curriculum-based program is designed to remove barriers preventing young women and gender diverse students from safely, equitably and fully participating in the building and construction industry.

    It does this through targeted, careers-focused learning in schools, to help young women and gender diverse students discover the option of this career pathway, including a vocational pathway.

    As part of the program, Anna completed a week-long work experience placement at consultancy RPS Group, where she was mentored by Practice Lead Tracy Wilcox.

    Tracy is a National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) committee member and is committed to championing diversity in the traditionally male-dominated industry.

    “I do this because I never had it myself,” she said.

    “There is a resource shortage across industry, which means there is a whole pool of talented individuals we are not even considering, this includes women. Diversity is important at all levels, and we need to open doors to give people a chance.”

    Anna’s week was packed with new experiences, including project management meetings, site visits and the opportunity to speak with RPS clients as well as those at all levels of the business.

    “The environment was very supportive and welcoming. I was given all these great opportunities to try things and listen in on things so that I get a taste of what it would actually be like to work here,” Anna said.

    Melba-Copland began offering the Understanding Building and Construction Program just this year.

    A pilot program of four schools ran in 2022, developed in a partnership between the ACT Government and NAWIC, and partly funded by a National Careers Institute (NCI) Partnership Grant.

    The program is now offered at five ACT public schools:

    • Alfred Deakin High School
    • Calwell High School
    • Harrison Public School
    • Mount  Stromlo High School
    • Melba-Copland Secondary School.

    The ACT Government is committed to a target of 10 per cent female employment in the ACT construction industry.

    Increasing women’s participation in the construction industry and other traditionally male-dominated industries is a key focus of the ACT Women’s Plan 2016–26.

    It also aligns with the Future of Education Strategy in partnering with industry to bring real-life learning into the classroom and take learning into the broader community.

    While work experience gave Anna welcome insight into consultancy work, she feels she might pursue a trade apprenticeship.

    “I haven’t quite decided what I want to do but I 110 per cent want to do it within the construction industry,” she said.

    For now, her priority is graduating year 12 – something Tracy strongly endorses.

    “It’s important to have a Plan B if you’re going into a trade. It’s all about being able to change and adapt as your body and situation change,” she said.

    Tracy’s strongest piece of advice, however, is simple: “Take every opportunity, understand your worth and back yourself”.

    At the end of her placement, Anna is happy to recommend the UBCP program to other students because it has provided her with meaningful opportunities to explore this industry.

    “I can say I will be going back to school and bragging about this great chance I was given,” she said .

    Learn more about the Understanding Building and Construction Program.

    Anna learnt a great deal on work experience at RPS Group.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Animal educators in attendance at school

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Calwell High School students with Mr Ricky, Deputy Principal of Happiness

    Everyone knows educators make an enormous difference in a student’s life. But did you know some of those educators have four legs and a tail?

    In some ACT public schools, animals are playing an important part in supporting learning and emotional wellbeing and making a significant impact on students, staff and families.

    Calwell High School’s beloved therapy dog, Mr Ricky, quickly became an integral part of the school community.

    So much so he has been given the title of Deputy Principal of Happiness.

    Recognising the power of therapy dogs in promoting student wellbeing, Principal Steve Collins eagerly sought to bring Mr Ricky, who was trained by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, to the school.

    Since his first day of school in March, Mr Ricky has been a daily presence, bringing smiles and comfort to everyone he encounters.

    He spends his days traversing the hallways, visiting classrooms, and responding to signs of student anxiety by offering a reassuring paw on the lap – a gesture that can bring comfort to those in need.

    Collaborating with the school psychologist, social worker, and school youth health nurse, Mr Ricky has proven to be a calming and supportive presence during important sessions and discussions.

    At Arawang Primary School, 10-year-old rescue greyhound Tom helps students with their reading.

    Tom is part of the Story Dogs program and visits the school library each week with his handler, Amalia, to read with students, one on one.

    Students select books based on their own interests and read directly to Tom, who is quiet, gentle and loves cuddles.

    “Story Dogs has been in place in our school for only a term and during that time we have already witnessed the wonderful benefits of the program,” Arawang Primary Deputy Principal Cindy Condon said.

    “The students who participate count down the days each week until Tom arrives and cannot wait to choose a book to read to him. Tom gently relaxes beside them and listens to them read each week and his calmness and happiness is felt and mirrored by the students. Students’ reading and literacy has improved and most of all we have witnessed an amazing boost to their confidence!”

    Story dogs also assist children’s reading at several other ACT public schools and at regular sessions in ACT libraries.

    In term 3, students at Alfred Deakin High School had their learning supported by three-month-old calves Cookies and Cream.

    Part of the Cows Create Careers program, Cookies and Cream helped students improve their understanding of and interest in the dairy industry and farming.

    The program has run at Alfred Deakin since it began 20 years ago.

    Students from nearby schools, including Hughes Primary, also visit Alfred Deakin to learn more about the program.

    “Our students came away with big smiles on their faces and then had a rich discussion about what we learned and develop further wonderings to continue our inquiry about farming,” said Hughes Primary teacher Sally Baker.

    Story Dog Tom and his handler Amalia assist with student reading at Arawang Primary School.

    Cookies – or is it Cream?

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Where to access free three-year-old preschool

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Free three-year-old preschool will be offered at 130 ECEC locations across Canberra

    Canberrans wishing to make use of free three-year-old preschool in 2024 can now check which services will offer the program.

    Free three-year-old preschool will be offered at 130 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) locations around the ACT.

    This gives families plenty of choice across a broad range of services.

    Canberra three-year-olds are eligible for up to 300 hours of free preschool from the start of 2024.

    This equates to about one day per week, generating an average saving of $1329 per child for eligible families.

    The benefits are more than just financial. Child learning and development in the years before school are key determinants of future school achievement, social, emotional and health outcomes and, ultimately, life opportunities.

    Equitable access to quality, play-based early learning is a powerful way to support children’s learning, wellbeing and development, with life-long benefits.

    More than $50 million of funding over the next four years was provided in the 2023/24 ACT Budget to support equitable access to quality early learning, with more than 5,000 three-year-olds across Canberra to be eligible.

    This investment will increase preschool programs delivered through ECEC centres by degree-qualified Early Childhood teachers, giving Canberra children the groundwork for a lifetime of learning.

    The full list of ECEC services taking part in three-year-old preschool in 2024 can be found at https://www.education.act.gov.au/early-childhood/coming-soon-free-three-year-old-preschool

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mirastar Federal Credit Union Recognized for Best Mortgage Experience with 2025 MemberXP™ Best of the Best Award

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mirastar Federal Credit Union is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Best of the Best Award for Best Mortgage Experience by MemberXP, a leading customer experience program offered through CUSG. This recognition celebrates credit unions that go above and beyond to create outstanding member experiences.

    “We are incredibly honored to receive the Best of the Best award. This recognition is a testament to our team’s deep commitment to making homeownership more accessible and creating a mortgage experience that feels seamless, supportive, and personal,” said Rebecca Reynolds Lytle, Chief Executive Officer at Mirastar Federal Credit Union. “It’s not just about financing a home; it’s about guiding our members toward their goals and making the process as stress-free as possible.”

    The 2025 MemberXP Best of the Best Awards is based on insights from more than 2.6 million data points, reflecting the experiences of approximately 8.6 million credit union members nationwide. Using key performance measures like Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Member Effort Score (MES), data experts evaluate and identify the top 25% of credit unions excelling in delivering superior member experiences. Mirastar was recognized as a top performer for Best Mortgage Experience, underscoring a commitment to making home financing smooth and accessible for members.

    “This award reflects the heart of what we do – putting people first. We take the time to listen, understand, and tailor solutions to meet each member’s unique needs,” said Joni Barnes, VP of Lending Experience at Mirastar Federal Credit Union. “Buying a home is a major milestone, and we’re honored to be trusted partners in that journey.”

    Mirastar Federal Credit Union

    Mirastar Federal Credit Union (formally Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union) is a federally insured, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that ensures financial well-being should be within reach for everyone. Since 1950, Mirastar Federal Credit Union has dedicated itself to serving our more than 47,000 members and communities with affordable, high-quality financial services that empower them to achieve their goals. A pinnacle community outreach provides free financial education, volunteer support, and resources to local nonprofit organizations – because when our communities thrive, we all succeed. For more information about Mirastar Federal Credit Union and our commitment to exceptional member service, please visit Mirastarfcu.org or call 408.282.0700.

    ABOUT CUSG
    CUSG is a leading provider of innovative software and services in human resources, marketing, technology, and financial empowerment. The organization’s mission is to support businesses with the delivery of exceptional experiences for their employees and customers while also maintaining a secure and resilient environment. CUSG is home to numerous national brands, including Performance Pro, Compease, The Learning Center, MemberXP, BankingXP, Save to Win, and Love My Credit Union Rewards. Serving over 2,200 financial institutions, universities, hospitals, and other businesses nationwide, CUSG is a trusted partner in their growth and development. The company has established strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Trust & Will, Intuit TurboTax, H&R Block, Marquis, WHITE64, AudioEye, CalcXML, and Think|Stack, enabling it to offer comprehensive solutions tailored to support diverse business strategies and needs. For more information, visit CUSG.com.

    Net Promoter Score (NPS®) is a trademark of Satmetrix, Bain & Company, and Fred Reichfield.

    Teresa Caseras
    VP Marketing
    Mirastar Federal Credit Union
    tcaseras@mirastarfcu.org
    mirastarfcu.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Domestic violence – Alice Springs

    Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 26-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident in Alice Springs yesterday.

    Around 4:40pm, police received reports that a 24-year-old female had been strangled and punched multiple times to the face in a vehicle at a set of traffic lights on the corner of Stott Terrace and the Stuart Highway by a male known to the victim.

    It is alleged that the incident occurred around 8am and afterwards, the male took her to his residence where he stole the female’s phone so that she could not seek assistance. Hours later, she located her phone and reported the incident to police.

    General duties members attended and witnessed the man fleeing from the residence. A cordon was set up and he was arrested after a short foot pursuit. The female was transported to Alice Springs Hospital in a stable condition to be treated for facial injuries.

    The male has since been charged with:

    1. Unlawfully Cause Serious Harm
    2. Choking, Strangling or Suffocating
    3. Theft
    4. Breach Bail

    He is remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Monday.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Sexual assault – Alice Springs

    Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an alleged sexual assault that took place at a fast-food restaurant this morning.

    About 6:30am, police received reports of a sexual assault on a 19-year-old female in the bathroom of a fast-food restaurant on the corner of Parsons Street and Railway Terrace. The female alerted staff who then called police.

    Investigations are ongoing to locate the alleged offender and determine the circumstances of the incident.

    Police are calling for any witnesses within the area at the time who may have information that can assist police in their enquiries to make contact on 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –