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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New northside hospital early delivery partner

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 24/03/2025

    The ACT Government’s northside hospital project has taken another step forward with the appointment of Multiplex as the early delivery partner to support continued work on design and planning to enable construction commencement in this term of Government.

    Following the successful delivery of the more than $640 million Canberra Hospital Expansion, the ACT Government is pleased to be partnering with Multiplex again to deliver the next stage of the northside hospital project that will transform the North Canberra Hospital campus.

    This $1 billion investment will be the largest health infrastructure project ever undertaken in the ACT, delivering a new state-of-the-art hospital for Canberra’s north.

    A competitive tender was undertaken in 2024 to secure a contractor early in the process, building on the Early Contractor Involvement approach taken in the Canberra Hospital Expansion project.

    As the successful tenderer, Multiplex will work collaboratively with the project team and ensure the best advice is available to inform infrastructure planning and design for the new hospital.

    Multiplex brings extensive hospital construction experience, having successfully completed key health projects across Australia, including Canberra Hospital’s Critical Services Building, greenfield developments, research facilities, and major site refurbishments.

    As delivery partners, Multiplex takes a holistic approach, and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with clients early in the design and planning phase to bring construction expertise to the table.

    The new northside hospital will be delivered alongside the continued transformation of the Canberra Hospital campus through the Canberra Hospital Master Plan and development of community health infrastructure projects including the new South Tuggeranong, Inner South, North Gungahlin and West Belconnen Health Centres, the new health precinct in Watson and the Tuggeranong hydrotherapy pool.

    These new and upgraded facilities will provide Canberra’s growing community with access to services in modern and sustainable health settings.

    The ACT Government and Multiplex will continue our strong collaboration with consumers, carers and the health workforce in designing high-quality hospital facilities as part of the Very Early Contractor Involvement contract, with the next phase of community consultation expected in mid-2025.

    More information on the Northside Hospital Project is at https://www.act.gov.au/builtforcbr/NorthsideHospital.

    While planning for the new hospital progresses, services will continue as usual at North Canberra Hospital, with the safety, health and wellbeing of consumers, visitors and staff remaining our top priority.

    Attribute to Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith:

    “The ACT Labor Government delivered the $640 million Canberra Hospital Expansion project in the last term of Government, which included the state-of-the-art Critical Services Building.

    “The more than $1 billion northside hospital will become the largest health infrastructure development undertaken in the Territory and this is an exciting milestone for the project.

    “Infrastructure Canberra and Multiplex will work closely with Canberra Health Services over the coming months to develop a concept design for this new state-of-the-art hospital for Canberra’s north, supporting our commitment to commencing construction in the term of Government.

    “Very early contractor involvement means we are bringing the delivery team together with the planning and design experts on the ground sooner to frame a vision for innovation, sustainability and exceptional clinical service delivery.

    “Through this partnership there will also be significant opportunity for consumers, carers, our health workforce and the broader community to work with us on the planning and design of a modern and well-connected health facility.

    Quotes attributable Multiplex NSW/ACT Regional Managing Director, David Ghannoum:

    “Multiplex is proud to be part of the planning for the Territory’s largest-ever investment in health infrastructure. We look forward to leveraging our expertise and working with hospital stakeholders to create a design that provides a purpose-built and world-class healthcare facility for Canberrans.

    “Having delivered the University of Canberra Public Hospital in 2017 and the Canberra Hospital Expansion in 2024, we are eager to reconnect with the community and will be implementing specific initiatives to support local employment and training.”

    – Statement ends –

    Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government-backed technologies support those living with dementia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government-backed technologies support those living with dementia

    Cutting-edge research networks backed by government to tackle debilitating symptoms of dementia including memory loss and communication difficulties

    People living with dementia are set to benefit from government-backed research designed to help them live more independently in their own homes.

    Four new research networks led by the UK’s top researchers, developers, health and social care professionals will focus on creating technologies to help dementia patients manage memory loss, communication difficulties and cope better with everyday tasks, in the hopes of slowing the progress of the disease and maximising the time they can spend safely and happily at home.   

    The teams will work alongside people living with dementia and carers to ensure lived experience and changing needs are at the heart of innovation, delivering the government’s Plan for Change to shift healthcare from hospitals into the community, with better results for patients while also reducing pressure on the NHS. 

    The four successful networks are: 

    • The University of Sheffield – to develop technologies to help dementia patients communicate as their disease progresses, supporting speech and memory challenges  

    • Heriot-Watt University – to develop technology to anticipate, and where possible slow, progression of dementia patients’ symptoms  

    • Northumbria University – to develop local hubs in rural and remote areas, where dementia patients can access technology to help them with everyday tasks  

    • Imperial College London – to develop easily-used tools to support independent living, and using AI to support data analytics  

    The networks will also collaborate with a range of key partners including NHS, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK and local authorities and councils, to deliver the projects, ensuring expertise at all levels is consulted on, and helping to develop the best outcome.  

    The projects are being backed by government, with The Minister of State for Health set to unveil £6.7 million in funding later this week at the World Dementia Council Summit on Tuesday 25th March.  

    The networks are funded by £6.7 million from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society.  

     Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, said:  

    Dementia is a cruel and heartbreaking disease, not only for those living with it, but for the families and friends who often watch their loved one become a shadow of the person they once were.   

    Backing these groundbreaking technologies won’t just help people with dementia – it’ll transform their lives, giving people the freedom to stay in their own homes, around the people they love.   

    Moving care out of hospitals and into communities isn’t just smart healthcare – it’s about giving people independence. Britain will be at the forefront of dementia innovation, backing cutting-edge research and rolling out life-changing technologies that deliver real results for patients and families. This is exactly the bold thinking we need at the heart of our Plan for Change.

    Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:

    Dementia is one of the biggest challenges to health and social care of our time. These four networks will take on that challenge, harnessing technology to improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.

    Helping people with Dementia to live more independently will allow us to move their care from hospitals to communities, reducing strain on the NHS and supporting the plans for health that are key to our Plan for Change.

    Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR said: 

    By developing networks and technologies that help people living with dementia stay independent for longer, and closer to home, we can help improve the quality of care that patients and their families receive.  

    I welcome this collaboration which will increase the range of support enabling dementia patients to live independently at home and in their communities and freeing up vital time and resource for other areas of treatment and care.

    Professor David Sharp at Imperial College London, and the Director of Care Research & Technology Centre, at the UK Dementia Research Institute, said:  

    This is a really exciting opportunity that will bring together UK scientists and partners from health and social care, industry, third sector and lived experience, to develop new technologies that will help people affected by dementia to live independently for as long as possible.

    According to an Alzheimer’s Society survey, 85% of people have said they would prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible if diagnosed with dementia, but many are currently unable to do so. It is hoped these projects will help slow the progression of the disease and provide a better quality of life for people living with dementia, to help people out of hospital and back into the community, where they’re most comfortable.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More officers on streets to smoke out illicit tobacco and vapes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    More officers on streets to smoke out illicit tobacco and vapes

    More officers trained and funding provided as clampdown on illegal tobacco and vape trade accelerates.

    Tighter and tougher protections to protect children and communities from illicit tobacco and vapes have been unveiled today (Sunday 22 March) as the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves closer to creating a smokefree UK.   

    A new £10 million boost for Trading Standards will bolster operations in local communities for the next year, to fund an expected 80 more apprentice enforcement officers to stop harmful tobacco and vape products finding their way into neighbourhood shops and stopping underage sales.    

    Officers work closely with local police to take down organised crime groups that operate within networks to supply illegal vapes. Trading Standards plays a key role, operating targeted seizures and sending sniffer dogs to hunt down illicit vapes hidden in shops. 

    Today’s package builds on robust measures in place to tackle illicit tobacco and vapes, including HMRC and Border Force’s £100 million Illicit Tobacco Strategy to crack down on illegal tobacco. Alongside this, the new vaping duty (which will come into force in 2026) will introduce new civil and criminal powers, giving them the ability to seize products and recruit over 200 additional compliance staff.  

    This new funding sits alongside the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which will create the world’s first smoke-free generation, gradually ending the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 and toughening laws to protect children from addiction.  

    The Bill will also introduce new £200 on the spot fines in England and Wales for breaches of age of sale restrictions, alongside powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.     

    This action delivers on the government’s Plan for Change to create an NHS fit for the future by focusing on the crucial role prevention can take in cutting waiting lists, while also making our streets safer by tackling organised crime. 

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton said:  

    Buying illicit tobacco and vapes may save a few pennies in your pocket, but they can be incredibly dangerous and are often linked to criminal activity.   

    It’s vital the Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves forward so we can tackle this illicit trade and free our children from a life imprisoned by addiction. By phasing out tobacco, introducing new restrictions on vapes and putting more boots on our streets, we’re taking the concrete action needed to deliver our Plan for Change and bring us that one step closer to a healthier, smoke-free future.”  

    John Herriman, Chief Executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said:  

    CTSI is very welcoming of the announcement of substantial funding for Trading Standards services across England. This much-needed investment will strengthen our ability to support businesses in complying with current and future tobacco and vaping regulations and will also ensure we are well placed to support the protection of public health. It also reinforces our commitment to taking firm action against anyone who seeks to harm their local communities by choosing to operate outside the law. With these additional resources, we can make a real difference in both keeping consumers safe, and ensuring a fair and responsible marketplace.

    Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said:

    Illicit tobacco and vape products are prevalent in our communities, trapping people – including children and young people – in a dangerous cycle of addiction that could endure for another generation. 

    The scourge of illicit nicotine products are largely powered by organised crime, and the products represent an important money-spinner that help fund organised crime groups’ other illegal schemes, such as human trafficking and modern slavery. 

    While Trading Standards seized more than a million illegal vapes, 19 million counterfeit cigarettes and 5,103kg of illicit hand rolling tobacco last year, further action and resources are needed by enforcement bodies to disrupt supply and clamp down on the perpetrators. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is an important step in the right direction, providing more resources to a stretched Trading Standards workforce who, alongside other enforcement partners, are working hard to help the government meet its aims for a smoke-free generation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Andrew Clennell, Sunday Agenda, Sky News

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    Andrew Clennell:

    Live at the desk in Canberra before his fourth Budget in a term, he’s just told me he’s the first Treasurer to deliver that since Ben Chifley, is the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers. Thanks for your time.

    Jim Chalmers:

    Good morning, Andrew.

    Clennell:

    Let me start by asking about this energy bill relief. A week ago it was announced power bills were to go up by up to $200 a year, and you’re giving people back only $150. They’re not going to be dancing in the streets over that, are they?

    Chalmers:

    Well, we’re doing what we responsibly can to help people with the cost of living. These cost-of-living pressures are front of mind for a lot of Australians and they’ll be front and centre in the Budget and this energy bill assistance is a bit of extra hip pocket help for households.

    Even with all the progress we’re making as a country together on inflation, we know that people are still under pressure, and this responds to some of that pressure.

    Clennell:

    It looks like an election bribe, really, I mean you’re doing it for 2 quarters, then cutting it off.

    Chalmers:

    I don’t think so. This is the third time that we’ve done the energy bill rebates, 2 lots of $300 and now extending it for 6 months and again it’s about recognising that even with all this progress on inflation, we got inflation from higher than 6 per cent and rising when we came to office, now 2.4 per cent, we know that people are still under the pump and so we’re doing what we responsibly can to help people with the cost of living, not just energy bill rebates, but cheaper medicines, but also this historic investment in bulk billing – because more bulk billing means less pressure on families too.

    Clennell:

    It feels like a big band-aid over a deeper problem with the energy transition.

    Chalmers:

    There are 2 things that we’re doing simultaneously. If you look at the Default Market Offer that was released in the last fortnight or so, one of the big issues there is the unreliability of the legacy parts of the system, and so we need to make sure that we continue to get more cleaner and cheaper and reliable energy into the system – we’re doing that, and in the meantime we’re helping people with their electricity bills.

    Don’t forget in the last year to December in the official inflation data, electricity prices went down by 25 per cent because we’re helping people with their energy bills. We’re extending that for another 6 months because we recognise people are still under the pump.

    Clennell:

    I mean effectively you’re taking people’s taxes and giving them back to them on their energy bills, right?

    Chalmers:

    If you look right throughout the Budget, whether it’s investments in Medicare and bulk billing, whether it’s investments in cheaper medicines, what budgets are all about is taking the country’s priorities, and in this case the government’s priorities – Medicare, cost-of-living, making our economy more resilient – making room in the Budget to do those things. And we’ve helped engineer a stunning turnaround in the Budget, $200 billion improvement in the Budget since we came to office, the biggest nominal improvement of all time and that’s helped us make room for these investments, whether it’s helping with the cost of living or building Australia’s future, or making our economy more resilient in the face of all of this global economic uncertainty.

    Clennell:

    Is any part of this policy an apology to voters for not coming through with that promise to cut their power bills by 275 bucks? In 2022 you yourself recorded on camera really pushing that policy. Is any of this sort of an apology for that?

    Chalmers:

    I’d describe it differently, as you’d expect, and I would describe it as hip pocket help for households. I would describe it as a government responding to the pressures that people still feel despite this progress that we’ve made on inflation. And if you take a step back for a moment, the Budget will be about the progress we’ve made together to here, and a plan to make the most of that progress from here, and part of that plan is rebuilding living standards which were falling sharply when we came to office. That means helping with the cost of living, getting wages moving again, the tax cuts which are already rolling out in the economy. All of this is about recognising that people are under pressure, we can respond to that in a responsible way, and that’s why really the defining feature of our term in government, and certainly the defining feature of Tuesday night’s Budget will be helping with the cost of living.

    Clennell:

    Are you sorry you couldn’t deliver on that now?

    Chalmers:

    We’re always trying to do the best we can for people, whether it’s electricity bills, whether it’s Medicare, strengthening Medicare with these historic investments, whether it’s women’s health, whether it’s cheaper medicines, cutting student debt. There are a whole bunch of ways that we are doing the absolute best we can for people. There’s more than one way to provide cost-of-living help. And here I think it’s really important to draw the distinction and to draw the contrast, and that is this Labor government doesn’t just recognise people are under pressure, we’re doing something about it, it beggars belief that the Liberals and Nationals have opposed that cost-of-living relief at almost every turn, and that means Australians would be even worse off now if Peter Dutton had his way.

    Clennell:

    Jane Hume says they’re going to pass it. What do you make of that?

    Chalmers:

    Well, that will be the first time if it’s the case. I mean they opposed the first 2 rounds of energy bill relief, they didn’t want to see the tax cuts, they opposed our cost-of-living relief

    Clennell:

    What’s your reaction to them passing it this time?

    Chalmers:

    Well, let’s see, let’s see.

    Clennell:

    Well, she’s just said it. She said, “We’re not going to stand in the way of it”, so –

    Chalmers:

    David Littleproud earlier today, I’m told, said that they probably will, which sounds a little bit less than definitive as far as I’m concerned.

    This week, what we will see is the contrast. My budget is about a plan for the economy and helping with the cost of living, the Liberals and Nationals are about secret costs and secret cuts which will make people worse off. This is their opportunity to come clean on the $600 billion they need to find to fund their nuclear reactors and what that means for Medicare and pensions and payments and housing and veterans and all of the other things that they’ve described as wasteful spending.

    Clennell:

    Peter Dutton says power bills have gone up $1,000 since you were elected. Do you dispute that figure?

    Chalmers:

    Well, the most recent data says electricity bills have come down by about 25 per cent.

    Clennell:

    Because of the subsidies.

    Chalmers:

    Partly, but not entirely because of the subsidies. So power bills in 2024 would have gone down 1.6 per cent, instead they went down 25 per cent.

    Clennell:

    Is he right though with the $1,000 figure?

    Chalmers:

    I haven’t checked his numbers. The numbers that we rely on are the official CPI numbers, and what they’ve shown is they’ve come down 25 per cent last year primarily because of our efforts to give people help with the cost of living, and don’t forget, you asked me about Peter Dutton, if Peter Dutton had his way, electricity bills would have been $300 higher last year because he opposed our efforts to help people.

    Clennell:

    In MYEFO there were predictions for real GDP of 2.5  to 2.75 per cent annual growth. Have they been revised up in your Budget?

    Chalmers:

    Well, we’ve revised all of our forecasts in the usual way, and –

    Clennell:

    Are they up?

    Chalmers:

    – you’ll see those in the Budget. What the growth forecasts have to recognise is the weaker growth that we’ve seen in the last little while. Growth is rebounding solidly in the most recent numbers, the private sector’s taking its rightful role as the main driver of that growth but don’t forget we’ve been through an especially soft period of economic growth and so the forecasts have to account for that as well. I’m not prepared to go into the ins and outs of all the forecasts here – there will be changes to forecasts which recognise what we’ve been through to here and what we expect from that.

    Clennell:

    Because obviously, I guess, if they do go up, that can reduce your deficits, right, that’s one aspect of that occurring. Is that what we’re going to be looking at?

    Chalmers:

    Well, don’t forget we’ve also got all of this global economic uncertainty casting a shadow over the world, and also over our economy and our Budget, and so there are always swings and roundabouts in these forecasts, there are always a number of influences.

    The 2 primary influences on our Budget are cost-of-living pressures, despite this progress on inflation, and the global economic uncertainty casting a shadow over the Budget and the economy, and the Budget is really designed to deal with those 2 pressures at once.

    Clennell:

    The MYEFO also showed an increase in deficits – they were up to $47 billion and $38 billion in 25–26 and 26–27. Given some of the campaign promises we’ve seen, are they going to be even higher than that?

    Chalmers:

    What you’ll see in the Budget is that because the midyear budget update was only about 3 months ago, that’s a bit unusual to have them so close together – the bottom lines are broadly similar, there are some changes but broadly similar, and that means it reflects that very substantial progress we’ve made since we were elected.

    If you compare the budget situation now to the preelection outlook in 2022 it’s night and day, we’ve made huge progress, enormous strides cleaning up the mess that we inherited, a $200 billion improvement, 2 surpluses in the first 2 years, a smaller deficit this year than when we came to office, and that’s an important demonstration, I think, of our responsible economic management. You’ll see how the bottom lines have changed a little bit but not a lot on Tuesday night.

    Clennell:

    It feels like you’re back to Australian Treasurer reality a bit. You’ve had the dream, you know, you’ve done the work on it obviously, but you’ve had the dream of presenting a surplus, your old boss Wayne Swan a number of other Treasurers have never had that. Now you’ve got to dole out the red ink. That must be a bit personally disappointing for you.

    Chalmers:

    Oh, I don’t see it in personal terms. Collectively, we are the first government in almost 2 decades to deliver back-to-back surpluses, and we’re also got this deficit now –

    Clennell:

    Does this ruin the story a bit?

    Chalmers:

    I don’t believe so. Our government is defined by responsible economic management. We’ve seen that in the first 3 Budgets, and we’ll see that in the fourth and one of the things I’m proudest about is we’ve got the Budget in much better nick, we’ve cleaned up the mess left to us by our predecessors at the same time as we’ve provided responsible, meaningful, substantial cost-of-living relief and invested in building Australia’s future and that’s really what people can expect to see again on Tuesday.

    Clennell:

    When do you anticipate an Australian Government could next deliver a surplus?

    Chalmers:

    Well, it remains to be seen, and certainly our efforts have been about trying to make the Budget as responsible as we can, some savings, banking most of the upward revision of revenue in our time in office, delivering those 2 surpluses, getting interest costs down, paying down the Liberal debt, but it remains to be seen when the next surplus is.

    Clennell:

    It could be a decade again, couldn’t it? It was 15 years between drinks when you did it. It could be that long again, couldn’t it?

    Chalmers:

    It was almost 2 decades between surpluses but don’t forget the 2 surpluses that we’ve already delivered and paying down all of that Liberal debt as a consequence is saving us tens of billions of dollars in interest costs already and so it’s got a structural purpose to it – it improves the Budget in a structural sense, so do our efforts on the NDIS and aged care and in other ways as well. So we’ve improved the Budget in the near term, we’ve made a structural improvement in the medium term, but the work of Budget repair and responsible economic management continues.

    Clennell:

    The NDIS – Jane Hume mentioned it before – said there needs to be more reform. She actually said it needs to grow at the same amount as the economy, so not the 8 per cent you’ve got it down to from 14 per cent. Is that something you’re committed to longer term?

    Chalmers:

    Well, that’s a new announcement from Jane Hume today. That means huge cuts to the NDIS and that would send a shiver up the spine of a lot of people who rely on the program.

    Now we are way too late in the parliamentary term for these characters to still be making it up as they go along. They’ve got secret plans for cuts. Those cuts will make Australians worse off, we know that.

    Peter Dutton said on another program on a Sunday morning that there are lots of cuts but they won’t tell people till after the election.

    Now this is a very scary proposition. I think in this building we’re tempted to think that their economic policy is some kind of slapstick comedy but it actually masks a much more sinister intent and that is to keep these secret cuts secret until after the election with grave consequences for people on the NDIS, people on pensions and payments, and especially people who rely on Medicare.

    Clennell:

    The NDIS is out of control though, isn’t it? As a Treasurer, you can’t sit and look at the growth of NDIS and be happy.

    Chalmers:

    We’re not sitting and looking at it, we’ve taken very substantial steps over the life of this government to make sure that spending on the NDIS is still growing but growing in a more sustainable way, cracking down on the rorts, getting it from growing at something like 14 per cent to something like 8 per cent, and we’re on track for that.

    Clennell:

    There’s more ways to be tackled though, isn’t there, or is there?

    Chalmers:

    Well, we’re doing it the most responsible, considered, methodical way that we can, and where we find waste, we’ve shown an enthusiasm to deal with that. That’s why we’re getting growth in the NDIS to more sustainable levels.

    Now if Jane Hume is saying that she wants growth in NDIS spending to be between 2 and 3 per cent instead of 8 per cent, then they need to come clean on what that means for Australians with a disability. That is a very scary proposition for a lot of people watching your program today and wondering what it means for them.

    Clennell:

    She also indicated that she is looking to sack 36,000 public servants, because she said she wanted it at the levels after COVID.

    Chalmers:

    Let’s see the detail. They are way past due coming clean on what their agenda for secret cuts means for people, what it means for Medicare in particular.

    I thought 2 things that were said in the last few weeks are very important; both Angus Taylor and Peter Dutton said in different ways, the best predictor of future performance is past performance. Peter Dutton went after Medicare when he was the Health Minister, Coalition governments always come after wages, they cut pensions and payments when they were last in office, and so they need to come clean this week on what are these secret cuts, what do they mean for people, where are they going to find the $600 billion to pay for these nuclear reactors.

    Clennell:

    It leaked during the week the Opposition’s looking at increased defence spending as it promised perhaps 2.5 per cent of GDP. Will there be an increase in defence spending in this Budget?

    Chalmers:

    Well, we’re already increasing it, and it’s already budgeted for.

    Clennell:

    So there’s not a further increase we’re looking at Tuesday?

    Chalmers:

    We’ll update the figures, but what people can expect to see is the existing $50 billion plus that we’re investing in defence over the course of the next decade

    Clennell:

    So correct me if I’m wrong, is that about 2.38 per cent GDP?

    Chalmers:

    A little bit over.

    Clennell:

    Yeah.

    Chalmers:

    By the early 2030s we’ll get defence spending to a bit more than 2.3 per cent of GDP, remembering it’s 2 now, that’s a very substantial increase. Now again, if they’re going to increase defence spending by $15 billion a year, let’s hear how they’re going to pay for it and what they’re going to cut and what that means for Medicare.

    Clennell:

    You finally released the report by the ACCC on the supermarkets, but you know, it’s a bit of damp squib as a consumer, I have to say, I didn’t see any strong action against the supermarkets. The other mob are saying, we’ll at least threaten you with a big stick. What are you actually going to do about it? What difference does this whole process of the ACCC report make?

    Chalmers:

    Well, the ACCC report I think is 441 pages from memory, and not on any of those pages does it recommend divestiture, because divestiture can have unintended consequences.

    What it’s really about is more transparency, more scrutiny and more competition, and we’re acting on all of those fronts; making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory, empowering and funding the ACCC, dealing with mergers and acquisitions, working with the states and territories on zoning and planning so we can get more competitors to the supermarkets.

    We are taking very decisive action to crack down on the supermarkets, to get a fairer go for families at the checkout and for farmers at the farm gate.

    Clennell:

    Are we expecting less or more net migration in your Budget predictions? Why do we need so much migration at the moment, because it feels like we are becoming Kevin Rudd’s Big Australia?

    Chalmers:

    We are managing the net overseas migration numbers down quite considerably. I think we saw, I think it was last week from memory in the migration figures, there were about 10,000 people fewer than what was anticipated. The Budget will update all of those forecasts but what they will show overall is the trajectory is down. That’s deliberate. There was a spike in net overseas migration after COVID, students, tourists and the like and fewer departures. We’ve been steadily managing that down and we saw that in last week’s figures.

    Clennell:

    So will it be 230,000, will it be less?

    Chalmers:

    You’ll see in the Budget.

    Clennell:

    Because the students are still coming in in big numbers, aren’t they?

    Chalmers:

    You’ll see in the Budget.

    Clennell:

    Is it less?

    Chalmers:

    The international student market is an important earner for Australia but it needs to be responsible. We need to make sure that we’re managing that and that’s why we’re trying to take the steps that we are taking. Overall we’re managing the program down, we’re doing that in a considered and methodical way, and you’ll see that in the numbers.

    Clennell:

    What can you say to Australians who look at the strains on housing, on infrastructure that are watching this and hear Peter Dutton saying, “I’m going to slash this”, about why we need this net migration at the moment?

    Chalmers:

    First of all, there’s a horrendous inconsistency even in what Peter Dutton is saying. He announced he was going to do something, then he pretended he never did, then he pretended there wasn’t an inconsistency. Nobody has any idea –

    Clennell:

    Yeah, but let me take you back to the point because we’re nearly out of time, sorry. What would you say to Australians about why we need the level of net migration we’ve been having?

    Chalmers:

    I’d say to them; we’re managing net migration down and we’re building more houses at the same time so that there are more houses for Australians to rent and buy.

    Clennell:

    How are you feeling about the election, because if the government was to lose, you’re favourite to become Opposition Leader.

    Chalmers:

    Look, I spend all of my time thinking about the Budget and the economic plan and what we would do as a government and as a country if we win the election. I spend absolutely no time thinking about what I would do if we lost the election. I’d much rather be the Treasurer of Australia than the Leader of the Opposition. I enjoy the work I do for Anthony and our team. We work very, very closely together, and we want the economy to be front and centre in this election.

    The stakes are high in this election because the stakes are high in the economy. There’s a lot going on around the world, people are under pressure still, we’ve made a lot of progress together, but we’ve got a plan from here as well, and that’s the difference between us and our political opponents.

    Clennell:

    You’re seen as one of the best communicators in the government. Have you ever been frustrated the PM hasn’t been able to communicate as clearly as you do at any time in his term?

    Chalmers:

    No, never, and we’ve got a lot of good communicators in our Cabinet and in our Party Room more broadly and we work together very, very closely with the Prime Minister and with others to put together and convey an economic plan, which is one of the reasons why we’re making so much progress together as a country, but we recognise there’s more work to do, and that’s what the Budget will be all about.

    Clennell:

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers, thanks so much for your time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Minister of Health, Dr Motsoaledi at the PLHIV policy in action accountability meeting.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Minister of Health, Dr Motsoaledi at the PLHIV policy in action accountability meeting.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3rHpV7iShA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Cutting tracks for flourishing whio

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  24 March 2025

    Whio are a threatened duck species unique to Aotearoa New Zealand. If they disappear from here, they’ll be gone forever.

    Work to protect whio in the Central Southern Alps began in 2004 with trapping in the Styx Valley. The trapping network quickly grew to include the valleys of Arahura, Taipo and Kawhaka behind Hokitika. The latest expansion into the Rocky and Griffin Creeks is the culmination of years of effort to protect whio in the area.

    Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Antje Wahlberg says the site has been the slow and steady “tortoise” of the South Island security sites where active protection of whio is underway.

    “Although the other sites increased quickly to 50 or more protected pairs, Central Southern Alps has seen a slow but steady increase in its whio population thanks to predator control and our breed-for-release programme,” Antje says.

    “Rocky and Griffin creeks are a small but productive area for whio, and they fill a geographic gap we had in the centre of the Security Site. It feels like we’ve finally connected the dots.”

    “Thanks to the consistent support from Genesis we’ve been able to make this progress – we expect to count 50 protected pairs at our next full census.”

    DOC and Genesis have been protecting whio together since 2011, and staff involved in the partnership are excited to be celebrating Whio Awareness Week from 24-30 March.

    Kate van Praagh, GM Sustainability at Genesis, says the company’s staff are proud to support conservation efforts for whio.

    “It’s great seeing the outcomes of many years of trapping. Whio Awareness Week is a special time to shine a spotlight on whio and the amazing mahi being done to help whio thrive by communities in places such as the Central Southern Alps.”

    Antje says the steady success of whio in the Central Southern Alps has only been possible with a network of contributors including Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Orana Wildlife Park, Kiwi Park Queenstown, and volunteers, as well as the support of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae.

    “We can all be part of whio recovery, so look out for whio this Whio Awareness Week!”

    Background information

    • Whio Awareness Week is being celebrated 24-30 March 2025, with the theme ‘look out for whio’.
    • Whio/blue duck are a unique species found nowhere else in the world.
    • Whio are river specialists living on fast-flowing rivers.
    • Healthy whio populations indicate healthy rivers and streams. The more breeding pairs of whio, the healthier the river.
    • The survival of whio largely depends on the protection of secure source populations throughout mainland New Zealand.
    • Genesis partners with DOC to support the Whio Recovery Programme nationally.
    • Learn more about the Whio Forever programme and the Genesis – DOC partnership at Whio Forever partnership

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Cantwell Concludes Statewide Medicaid Tour – Doctors and Patients Across WA Affirm Medicaid Cuts Would be Devastating

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    03.23.25

    ICYMI: Cantwell Concludes Statewide Medicaid Tour – Doctors and Patients Across WA Affirm Medicaid Cuts Would be Devastating

    Sen. Cantwell, in weeklong tour of WA, hears how Medicaid has saved lives of patients and their family members

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) heard from voices across Washington state about the dangers of President Trump and the GOP’s proposed cuts to Medicaid. Doctors, patients, and health care providers warned that such cuts would devastate Washington state’s health care system and limit access to lifesaving care.

    Medicaid is the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Washington state’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, ensures that eligible Washingtonians can afford to seek health care and see providers when they need to.

    In Seattle on Tuesday: Sen. Cantwell joined Whitney Stohr and McKenzi Fish, as well as doctors and hospital executives, in speaking at a press conference. Stohr depends on Medicaid funds to pay for her son Malachi’s treatment for spina bifida, and Fish was covered by Medicaid during her fight against Hodgkin lymphoma as a teenager.

    “While I was taking care of him in those early days in the hospital I knew that there was no way my family could afford the care,” said Stohr, about Medicaid’s role in her son Malachi’s treatment: “We couldn’t pay for it then, we couldn’t pay for it now – at least not without Medicaid.”

    Video of the entire Seattle press conference is available HERE. Sen. Cantwell’s remarks are available HERE with a transcript HERE

    In Spokane on Wednesday: At a roundtable, Sen. Cantwell heard from Gail Halverson, Julie Sparkman, Elisanne McCutchen, and hospital leadership about how they and their communities rely on Medicaid funds for treatment. Halverson and McCutchen rely on Medicaid for ongoing medical care, and Sparkman is a Spokane-area home care provider whose family members have had their lives saved by Medicaid-funded treatment.

    “People are going to be sick, and they’re going to have to go to nursing homes — well who’s going to pay for the nursing homes? That’s Medicare, that’s Medicaid!” said Halverson. “So, are we just left to die?”

    Video of the entire Spokane roundtable is available HERE. Sen. Cantwell’s remarks are available HERE with a transcript HERE

    In the Tri-Cities on Friday: At a press conference with Sen. Cantwell and local health care leadership, Brenda Morgan shared the story of her client, Samantha, an autistic young adult with a heart condition, who needs a feeding tube for meals and medications.

    “She wants me to ask you,” Morgan said, “’Why aren’t people thinking about us? Do they not know that I can’t survive without Medicaid?

    Video of the entire Tri-Cities press conference is available HERE. Sen. Cantwell’s remarks are available HERE with a transcript HERE

    And at each event, across the state, Sen. Cantwell warned that the GOP’s plans to cut Medicaid are not hypothetical.

    “This is a tsunami of cuts coming at the people of Washington and the United States of America,” said Sen. Cantwell in Seattle. “And I guarantee you this is not a drill.”

    Sen. Cantwell has released two snapshot reports that, together, highlight the impact that slashing Medicaid to fund tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy would have on Washington state’s health care system.  Her first snapshot report provided new data on the percentage of Medicaid patients in each of the State of Washington’s U.S. congressional districts, as well as by region. Congressional District 4 (Central Washington) and Congressional District 5 (Eastern Washington) have the highest proportions of adults and total population on Medicaid. 

    Sen. Cantwell’s second snapshot report detailed new data showing the crucial role that Medicaid plays in funding Seattle-area health care. That report showed that Medicaid funded 22.6% of inpatient care and 18.1% of outpatient care at hospitals in Western Washington in 2023. Western Washington hospitals saw 623,549 Medicaid patients in 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Child Poverty – CPAG calls on Ministers to reverse lunch cuts with Budget bid

    Source: Child Poverty Action Group

    The Child Poverty Action Group is urging senior Government Ministers to put children first and find the money needed to reverse the cuts it has made to the school lunches programme.
    CPAG has today written to Minister of Finance Nicola Willis with a ‘Budget Bid’ on behalf of the children of New Zealand.
    CPAG Executive Director Sarita Divis said David Seymour, Erica Stanford, Winston Peters and Louise Upston had been copied into the bid and CPAG wanted one of them to put the bid in.
    “It’s been problem after problem with school lunches this year: late deliveries, flies in food, inappropriate and unsafe food for students, a student in hospital with burns. Not to mention excessive wastage and lost economic opportunities for local community suppliers,” Ms Divis said.
    “The time has come for the Government to admit the cuts were a mistake and to put things right by funding the previous model properly.”
    CPAG was also concerned that nutritional information about the food under the new model was not clear. Good nutrition is essential for children, especially if they are not having breakfast or dinner.
    A recent Talbot Mills poll showed 60 percent of voters want the government to reinstate the previous Ka Ora, Ka Ako system.
    “Budgets and taxes are how we prioritise the things that really matter and the Government needs to put children first,” Ms Divis said.
    “Ministers will right now be putting in their Budget bids for Budget 2025. We ask the Ministers to consider stepping forward to do the right and compassionate thing, which is what most Kiwis want, and reverse the cuts for the children of New Zealand.”
    As well as reinstating the budgeted amount for food from $3 back to $8 per meal, CPAG wanted schools to once again be able to source school lunches from local community suppliers.
    “The new model has been bad news for children. David Seymour continues to say it’s working well, but Kiwis know that’s just not the case,” CPAG Deputy Chair Rich Greissman says.
    “Funding needs to be found in Vote Education, which is within the power of both Ministers Stanford and Seymour.”
    Ms Divis said Minister Upston, as Minister for Child Poverty Reduction, was also well within her power to call for funding to be reversed.
    “Corporate tax cuts or feeding hungry kids? It’s a no-brainer. The Government can find the money to do this. It is a choice.”
    Based on the 2023 and 2024 Budget Summary of Initiatives, CPAG refers to estimates of the cost of restoring school lunches to their 2024 standard, between $107-115 extra a year.
    There are also hidden costs to the new model, with many schools citing unexpected costs associated with the new model that are not covered by the School Lunch Collective.
    For example, schools are now having to employ people to remove waste which comes out of a school’s operations budget.
    Background
    The Ka Ora Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches programme was introduced in 2020 to meet genuine unmet needs in New Zealand classrooms and homes.
    It was a policy created by New Zealand First when it was in government with Labour and championed by former NZ First MP Tracey Martin which is why Winston Peters has also been copied into CPAG’s letter.
    In the lead up to the 2023 election, National leader Christopher Luxon described Ka Ora, Ka Ako as a “good programme” and promised it would “continue to improve each and every year under a National government”.
    A Ministry of Education evaluation of the original Ka Ora, Ka Ako in October 2022 found that the wellbeing results of the programme often exceeded expectations, with even greater benefits for students who rarely had enough food at home. Other benefits included less hunger at school, improvement in dietary patterns and greater local employment.
    The Child Poverty Action group is concerned the new model for school lunches, along with the cuts to the programme budget, puts these gains at risk.
    Under the Child Poverty Reduction Act (2018), the Government is legally required to address child poverty rates in the Budget with specific policies.
    The Child Poverty Action Group believes an additional $115m a year of funding for the school lunches programme represents a remarkably small cost when the wider economic and social benefits of Ka Ora, Ka Ako are considered.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pharmacare is now law in Canada, but negotiations with provinces could slow progress

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jane Fletcher, PhD Candidate in Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary

    Ensuring people have coverage for essential medications is crucial. (Shutterstock)

    Despite Canada’s commitment to universal health care, one in 20 Canadians cannot afford their prescribed medications, with people from Alberta, New Brunswick and British Columbia being the most likely to say they’re missing doses due to costs.

    When people skip medications, it leads to more emergency room visits, costly hospital stays and worse health.

    Ensuring people have coverage for essential medications is crucial. In October 2024, Canada took a step forward when Bill C-64, or the Pharmacare Act, received royal assent and became law.

    The act will cover contraceptives for nine million Canadians, helping with family planning and managing conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.



    Read more:
    Pharmacare’s design could further fragment and politicize Canada’s health system

    It will also cover diabetes medications for the 3.7 million Canadians living with the disease — critical for managing blood sugars and preventing complications like blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes.

    Despite this historic passage of pharmacare legislation, its rollout remains uncertain. The government’s next steps are complicated by the Constitution Act of 1867, which gave provinces jurisdiction over health care.

    The federal government must now negotiate agreements with each province to implement the plan — a task made more difficult because medication coverage varies widely across Canada. Without full co-operation, pharmacare’s impact could be limited, with coverage gaps persisting for millions of Canadians.

    Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has also said he’ll scrap pharmacare.

    Coverage differs among provinces

    In many provinces — including B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador — pharmacare coverage is provided universally with income-based deductibles. This means provincial coverage only kicks in after an individual reaches a spending threshold on medications. This threshold varies by age and income level.

    Alberta and New Brunswick use premium-based systems, requiring monthly membership fees.

    Most provinces also use co-payments, meaning people must cover part of the cost of each prescription — for example, 20 to 30 per cent of the full cost, or a flat fee of $5 to $10. Only Québec mandates prescription insurance coverage, either privately or through its public plan.

    Currently, a major driver of how much Canadians pay for their medications is arbitrary — it’s about where one lives. For example, a young Albertan living with diabetes and heart disease who earns $14,000 would need to pay $1,000 annually for medications. In Ontario, that same person would pay just $100.

    Such differences can influence where people choose to live and can hinder interprovincial labour mobility. It’s a driving force behind the push for pharmacare — to ensure free access to the most important medications, regardless of where someone lives.

    An opportunity for national pharmacare

    Pharmacare could have been implemented nationally, like it was for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, offering federal coverage for essential medications like contraceptives and diabetes medications, while insurers and provincial plans cover the rest.

    This would have been a simple approach that would have allowed for future changes, and could have been implemented by provinces much like vaccines are — paid for using people’s provincial health numbers, sidestepping the difficulty of enrolling people in a new plan.

    But in the waning days of the current Liberal federal government, it appears the chosen direction has been to negotiate separate agreements with each province and territory to establish a minimum standard.

    Movement in this direction has already been seen in B.C., Manitoba and P.E.I. where deals have already been made with the federal government, while other provinces remain in talks.

    The pace of these agreements remains uncertain, and it’s unclear when — or if — all the provinces and territories will sign on.

    The fight for pharmacare isn’t over

    As Canada takes its first steps toward pharmacare, many questions remain. For provinces with income-based deductibles, would the deductible simply shift to other drugs, meaning people with other health conditions won’t really save on their overall medication costs each year?

    For those with premium-based coverage, how would those who don’t enrol in the public plan access coverage? How would this be rolled out in Québec where some form of medication coverage is already mandatory?

    The push for universal drug coverage in Canada dates back decades. When medicare was first recommended in 1964 by the Hall Commission, it included a proposal for universal drug coverage that was ultimately never implemented.

    Over the decades, multiple reports, including the 1999 Kirby Report and the 2019 Pharmacare For All Report, have called for its implementation.

    Organizations like the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Nursing Association have similarly stressed its importance. Yet, despite decades of advocacy, Canada has remained the only country with a universal health-care system that doesn’t provide comprehensive drug coverage.

    With negotiations on pharmacare officially underway, its success will depend on federal-provincial co-operation, which has been increasingly strained in recent years. Advancing pharmacare is in Canadians’ best interest — especially for the 7.5 million people who cannot afford the medications their doctor prescribes.

    The question now is whether governments will act swiftly to implement pharmacare, or if political roadblocks will delay access to life-saving medications even further.

    Jane Fletcher receives funding from CANTRAIN (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) and Alberta Innovates.

    David Campbell receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Diabetes Canada, and Alberta Innovates.

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

    – ref. Pharmacare is now law in Canada, but negotiations with provinces could slow progress – https://theconversation.com/pharmacare-is-now-law-in-canada-but-negotiations-with-provinces-could-slow-progress-250888

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Norovirus outbreak followed up

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today said it is investigating the possible source of a norovirus outbreak involving students who had joined an exchange tour to the Mainland.

    Yesterday, the CHP learnt that 135 teachers and students from a secondary school in Tsing Yi went on a three-day exchange tour to Zhaoqing on March 20. During the period from around 11am on March 21 to 8am the next day, 20 students and one teacher developed symptoms compatible with norovirus infection, including vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.

    Eighteen patients sought medical attention in Zhaoqing. All are in a stable condition and have been discharged, and eight have tested positive for norovirus.

    The CHP is probing the possible source of this norovirus outbreak from different aspects, including the possibility of transmission through person-to-person, contaminated food or the environment. Preliminary investigations revealed that all 21 patients had not consumed any common food items other than the group meals, and there has not been any outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in the school recently.

    After analysing the onset time of the cases, the CHP said that it could not, at this stage, preliminarily rule out that the cases were infected through consuming contaminated food.

    The centre has notified the Guangdong health authority of the relevant information of epidemiological investigations, and has been informed that the Mainland has commenced investigation into the case.

    Apart from giving health advice to the affected school, the CHP will continue to follow up on the incident and conduct epidemiological investigations, including collecting stool specimens from the cases for laboratory testing. It has also alerted the Education Bureau to the situation.

    Separately, the CHP noted that the activity of acute gastroenteritis in Hong Kong has been on the rise since the end of December last year, and has remained at a relatively high level in recent months.

    In January there were 57 outbreaks and 49 in February, while up to March 15, a total of 21 outbreak cases were recorded. Most of these outbreaks were caused by the norovirus.

    The centre also remarked that in addition to the Mainland, there have been recent outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in other popular travel destinations for Hong Kong citizens, such as Japan, Singapore and Taiwan.

    To minimise the risk of being infected while travelling, the centre advised citizens to remain vigilant and maintain personal, environmental and food hygiene.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital water seepage probed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Department of Health today said it is looking into a water seepage incident in an operating theatre during surgery at the CUHK Medical Centre.

    It was noted that the hospital was conducting a patient’s eye surgery on March 10 and towards the end of the operation, water started dripping from the ceiling at the end of the operating table.

    Hospital staff immediately used a cloth to stop the dripping while also covering the patient’s head and surgical instruments with a sterile surgical drape.

    The surgery was completed uneventfully. The patient’s condition has been stable and no complications have been reported.

    The hospital has suspended the use of the operating theatre in question and identified the source of the water seepage. Repair work has been carried out.

    While the incident is not a reportable event under the Code of Practice for Private Hospitals, the Department of Health has, for the sake of prudence, requested the hospital to submit an investigation report.

    After assessing the investigation findings and the actions taken by the hospital, the department will take appropriate follow-up action with a view to preventing recurrence and enhancing the protection of patient safety.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Labor Government delivering for Perth’s south

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    The Albanese Labor Government is building Western Australia’s future, investing in the transport infrastructure to support Perth’s growing south. 

    We’re investing $95 million in two projects in a big win for the city: 

    • $90 million to upgrade the intersection of Leach Highway and Manning Road, Bentley.
    • $5 million to plan for the future of Murdoch Station. 

    The intersection of Leach Highway and Manning Road is the second most congested in WA, costing an estimated $18.2 million in lost productivity each year. 

    More than 44,000 vehicles use the intersection daily, and over the past five years there have been 105 crashes. 

    The funding will go towards the first stage of the project, which will include a grade-separated interchange to help ease congestion and improve safety. 

    Murdoch Station is Perth’s busiest station outside of the CBD, connecting train and bus passengers to the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, including Murdoch University, Fiona Stanley Hospital and residential communities. 

    The station is nearing capacity, with patronage expected to grow to 15,000 daily boardings by 2031 and the new Women and Babies Hospital planned for the precinct expected to create even further demand.

    This critical funding will enable concept and detailed design work to take place to upgrade the capacity and improve passenger experience at Murdoch Station.

    These designs will include:

    • A new multi-story carpark on the eastern side of the train station;
    • An additional bus bridge and additional bus stands;
    • An additional passenger concourse between the station platform and the bus interchange; and
    • A new southern passenger overpass 

    This comes on top of our other commitments for Western Australia including a $700 million partnership to upgrade the Kwinana Freeway, METRONET, upgrades to the Tonkin Highway and Outback Way.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King: 

    “We’re building Western Australia’s future by doing the important work of planning for Perth’s growth.

    “Whether travelling to Perth from the southern suburbs or home to Fremantle from the airport, the upgrades to Leach Highway will give 44,000 travellers every day a safer journey.  

    “Murdoch station is the busiest on the network outside the CBD and this investment will ensure the Perth’s southern suburbs continue to be serviced by world-class public transport into the future.

    “We’re investing in roads and rail right across Perth and around its surrounding suburbs to better connect the city, improve road safety and give locals precious time back in there day.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Burt Matt Keogh: 

    “These projects will be a game-changer for our south eastern suburbs, making people’s journeys faster and safer.

    “They complement the other major infrastructure projects we are delivering with the Cook Labor Government.

    “Unclogging our roads ensures ongoing economic growth, more jobs, and helps cut transport costs that are otherwise passed onto consumers

    “It is only Labor Governments that invests in better public transport so people can access work, schools, Uni’s and hospitals easily and cheaply.

    “Only Labor has a plan to build Australia’s future.” 

    Quotes attributable to Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas:

    “I’m thrilled the Albanese Labor Government is investing $90 million to widen Leach Highway and Manning Road. 

    “This is a game-changer for anyone heading to Curtin University, Carousel Shopping Centre and the Airport.

    “No one likes sitting in traffic. These upgrades will ease congestion, cut travel times, and make our roads safer.

    “But it’s not just about roads—it’s about making life a little easier for the community. Less time stuck in traffic means more time for the things that matter.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Tangney Sam Lim: 

    “The Albanese Labor Government’s investment into transport in Perth’s south is what Tangney’s residents need and deserve.

    “With this investment in Murdoch Station, our Government has the right priorities when it comes to planning for our city’s growth.”

    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 Asia-Pac: Breast milk donations save lives

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Last April, Ida Chan welcomed her son into the world. He was born a kilogramme lighter than expected, and Ida decided to breastfeed to help him bulk up.

    Initially, she faced challenges. As her baby was hospitalised due to newborn jaundice, Ida missed the initial window to start breastfeeding. As she struggled to produce enough milk herself, she was also distressed to discover that her son had trouble digesting baby formula.

    Fortunately, she managed to boost her milk supply through consistent pumping and was finally able to breastfeed exclusively three months later.

    With her son now thriving, she knows she made the right decision. “Every drop of breast milk is not just about tiredness, pain and time,” she reflected. “It is all about a mother’s love to her baby.

    Heartfelt giving

    When Ida subsequently learned about some of her friends’ premature babies being severely underweight, it hit close to home. Accordingly, when she learned about the launch of the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank, she did not hesitate to sign up online right away.

    After clearing a health screening, she began donating some of her breast milk, just as she had hoped.

    Even though she has returned to working full-time and her own child is eating more solid foods, combined with three milk feeds a day, Ida still makes time to pump and reserve an extra bag to donate to other babies.

    Altogether, it takes half an hour for her to pump the milk, store it, and clean up, but she is heartened that she is able to lend a hand to other families in need. “I think it is worth it because I am doing something good for the community.”

    She added that she wants to set an example to her son. “In the future, I want to tell my baby ‘Your mother was helping others, and I want you to be a person like me.’”

    Beyond expectations

    Donating breast milk is not as simple as having good intentions, however. To qualify, donors need to be currently lactating, and have a baby under one year old. They also have to be in good health, pass a thorough assessment that includes a review of their medication history, and submit to undergoing blood tests every three months.

    Since launching in January of this year, the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank, located in the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, has collected more than 300 litres of donated breast milk and recruited over 100 eligible donors.

    Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank Director Dr Rosanna Wong said the numbers are beyond expectations.

    This month, the initiative began its second phase, offering donor breast milk to all nine of the Hospital Authority’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

    “The first priority of using this milk are those babies who are born under 32 weeks of gestation, or with birth weight less than 1.5kg,” Dr Wong explained. “Other babies who require the milk will be those who have severe diseases like congenital heart disease, or after a gastrointestinal operation.”

    She added that if the bank could gather more donations, milk could be given to less premature babies, or even full-term babies with special needs.

    All milk donated to the bank undergoes pasteurisation, microbiological testing and nutritional analysis, all under strict temperature controls, to ensure its safety and quality.

    Ideal nourishment

    Dr Wong described breast milk as the best nutrition for infants, particularly premature babies, as it contains unique properties such as immunoglobulins and immune factors that protect these babies from infections.

    She emphasised that using breast milk for such babies reduces complications, including necrotising enterocolitis.

    Calling on the community to rally behind the cause,” she added: “Each drop of donated breast milk is a gift of life for these vulnerable babies. We are looking forward to receiving more support from the mothers and the community.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died after a two-vehicle crash on the Wellington motorway overnight.

    Emergency services were called to State Highway 1, Kaiwharawhara about 11:30pm where two cars had collided in the northbound lane.

    Sadly, the driver of the first vehicle was unable to be revived, and died at the scene.

    The passenger from the first vehicle, and driver of the second, were both taken to Wellington Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and a crash investigation is underway.

    The motorway reopened about 3:45am.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Keep safe and cool in hot weather

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Setting your air conditioner to 23 degrees or higher can help avoid strain on the electricity grid.

    In brief:

    • Summers in Canberra can be long, hot and dry.
    • It’s important to be prepared for extreme heat and emergencies.
    • This story contains tips and information to help you prepare for the summer months.

    Canberrans have a long, hot and dry summer ahead of us. It’s important to be aware of potential risks to your family and your property.

    There are actions that you can take to prepare for the summer months. This includes things like preparing for hazard season and using electricity carefully.

    Be emergency ready

    During summer, the ACT can have a higher risk for:

    • bushfires
    • grass fires
    • storms flood
    • extreme heat weather events.

    If you and your home prepare well, you stand a better chance of surviving an emergency.

    You can be emergency ready by completing or updating your survival plan and packing your home emergency kit.

    Visit the ACT Emergency Services Agency website for more information and resources.

    Take note of prescribed burns

    The ACT Government conducts several prescribed burns each year to manage fire risk across the region.

    You’ll also see the ACT Government’s mowing team busy managing grass growth across the territory. This is part of the annual mowing program. This not only improves presentation, access and safety, it reduces fire fuel.

    Find out when prescribed burns are happening in your area.

    You can also check the ESA website to see a list of active incidents.

    And if you see a fire unattended, call triple-zero (000).

    Know your nearest heat refuge

    During cases of extreme heat, some library branches may extend their opening hours. This is to allow the public to escape the heat. Extended opening hours is determined at the time on advice from ACT Health.

    Not only are public library branches free and open to everyone, but all are air conditioned. The community can enjoy access to free books, DVDs, magazines, music downloads, e-books, wi-fi, programs and events.

    When extreme heat events occur, Libraries ACT will display the extended opening hours on their website. Find out more.

    Be energy conscious this summer

    On extreme heat days, the electricity grid can become strained. It’s important to be mindful of your energy use. This can help manage demand on days like these while still keeping your home cool and comfortable. It can also help you save on energy bills.

    Our top tips to turn down the heat include:

    • use fans first – they are cheaper to run
    • set your air conditioner to 23 degrees or higher
    • service or clean filters on aircons to help your system run more efficiently
    • keep windows covered during the day to keep out the heat
    • open windows at the end of the day to benefit from the cooler evening air
    • draught proof your home to prevent cool air from escaping from gaps between windows, doors, vents and exhausts.

    Visit the Climate Choices website for more ideas on saving energy and saying cool for less.

    Read more like this:

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    MIL OSI 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 Canada: Canadian Dental Care Plan expands to include millions of new eligible Canadians

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    March 22, 2025 | Newmarket, Ontario | Government of Canada

    Investing in Canadians’ health is key to building a stronger Canada. In its first year, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has significantly improved access to affordable dental care. More than 3.4 million Canadians were approved to be part of the plan, while 1.7 million have already received care.

    Today, the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Health, accompanied by the Honourable Ali Ehsassi, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement announced that all remaining eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 years-old will be able to apply for the CDCP in May 2025; with coverage starting as early as June 1, 2025. 

    Applications will open by age group:

    • May 1: 55 to 64 years old
    • May 15: 18 to 34 years old
    • May 29: 35 to 54 years old

    To qualify for the CDCP, applicants must:

    • Not have access to dental insurance.
    • Have filed their individual 2024 tax return in Canada (and their spouse’s or common-law partner’s, if applicable)
    • Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
    • Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes

    As with previous cohorts, eligible Canadians will be able to apply online, by phone, or by visiting a Service Canada Centre.

    Beginning of renewal process

    From March 2025 onward, current CDCP members must take action to renew their coverage. CDCP members must have filed their 2024 tax return and received their 2024 Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency before applying for renewal at canada.ca/dental, in My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or by telephone.

    CDCP members must submit their renewal applications by June 1, 2025, to ensure uninterrupted coverage. Coverage for those who do not renew will end on June 30, 2025 and any oral health care services received during a gap in coverage will not be eligible for reimbursement.

    For more information, visit Canada.ca/dental.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Welnax BioClear – How This Leading Toenail Fungus Device Uses Laser Therapy for Clear Nails

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KOWLOON, Hong Kong, March 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Toenail fungus can be persistent and challenging to eliminate. Many traditional treatments, such as creams and oral medications, fail to provide long-term relief. The BioClear Toenail Fungus Device leverages advanced Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to target fungal infections at the source, offering a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective solution for restoring clear, healthy nails.

    Product Overview

    The BioClear Toenail Fungus Device is designed for individuals seeking a reliable and hassle-free way to combat toenail fungus without harsh chemicals or expensive medical treatments. This state-of-the-art laser therapy device delivers targeted light energy deep into the nail bed, effectively disrupting fungal growth and stimulating natural healing.

    Key Features and Benefits

    • Advanced LLLT Technology – Uses low-level laser therapy to penetrate the nail and eliminate fungus at its source.
    • Painless and Non-Invasive – No discomfort, burning, or irritation during or after treatment.
    • Chemical-Free Alternative – No harsh ingredients, making it safe for all skin types.
    • Convenient At-Home Use – A professional-grade solution used daily without clinic visits.
    • Promotes Healthy Nail Growth – Encourages the regeneration of clear, strong, and healthy nails.
    • Prevents Recurrence – Strengthens nails and surrounding tissue to reduce the risk of reinfection.

    How It Works

    The BioClear Toenail Fungus Device uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the nail and reach the affected area beneath the surface. This light energy stimulates cellular activity, breaking down fungal cells while improving blood circulation and oxygen flow to the nail bed. The result is a gradual reduction in discoloration, thickening, and brittleness, leading to healthier nails over time.

    Who Is BioClear Toenail Fungus Device For?

    • Individuals suffering from persistent toenail fungus infections have not responded to traditional creams or oral medications.
    • People are looking for a chemical-free, non-invasive alternative to antifungal drugs that may cause side effects.
    • Adults and seniors with brittle, discolored, or thickened nails who want to promote natural nail regrowth.
    • Athletes and active individuals are exposed to damp environments, such as locker rooms and public showers, where fungal infections thrive.
    • Those who prefer a convenient at-home solution without costly medical visits.
    • Individuals with diabetes or weakened immune systems must maintain optimal foot health and prevent secondary infections.
    • Anyone experiencing discomfort, odor, or inflammation from fungal infection seeks a safe, painless, and long-term solution.

    Guarantee and Pricing

    The BioClear Toenail Fungus Device has a 90-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try it risk-free. Pricing starts at $59 per device and is available exclusively through the official website to ensure authenticity and quality.

    A Cutting-Edge Solution for Toenail Fungus

    The BioClear Toenail Fungus Device offers a scientifically backed, non-invasive, and practical approach to eliminating toenail fungus and restoring nail health. With its advanced laser technology, pain-free treatment process, and at-home convenience, it is ideal for individuals looking for a safe and reliable alternative to traditional fungal treatments.

    What is Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device?

    The Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device is an advanced treatment solution explicitly designed to combat toenail fungus from the comfort of your home. Combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design, Welnax BioClear provides an effective alternative to costly salon treatments and harsh chemical applications. This innovative device employs low-level laser therapy, a method recognized for its ability to penetrate the nail bed and target fungal infections at their source.

    The product is compact, portable, and easy to use, allowing individuals to incorporate it into their daily routines effortlessly. With a recommended usage of just seven minutes per session, users can expect to see significant improvements in the appearance and health of their nails within 1-2 months of consistent use. Whether dealing with thickened, discolored, or brittle nails, Welnax BioClear aims to restore your nails to natural beauty without the pain and side effects commonly associated with other treatments.

    Welnax BioClear is clinically approved and dermatologist-recommended, making it a safe option for users of all ages. Its non-invasive nature ensures you can treat your nails without fearing chemicals or painful procedures. As a solution for those seeking to regain confidence in their nails, the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device is garnering attention as a revolutionary product in nail care.

    Who Specifically is Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device For?

    • Individuals suffering from persistent toenail fungus infections have not responded to traditional treatments like creams or oral medications.
    • People are looking for a chemical-free, non-invasive alternative to antifungal drugs that may cause side effects.
    • Adults and seniors who struggle with brittle, discolored, or thickened nails and want to promote healthy nail regrowth.
    • Athletes and active individuals are more susceptible to fungal infections due to frequent exposure to warm, damp environments such as locker rooms and public showers.
    • Those who want a convenient at-home solution for managing and preventing toenail fungus without frequent visits to a doctor or dermatologist.
    • People with compromised immune systems or diabetes must maintain optimal foot health and prevent secondary infections.
    • Anyone experiencing discomfort, odor, or inflammation from a fungal infection seeks a painless way to restore clear, healthy nails.

    How Does Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device Work?

    The Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device uses advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a phototherapy that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to promote healing and eliminate fungal infections. When the device is applied to the affected nail, the laser light penetrates the nail bed, targeting the root causes of fungus. This process disrupts fungal growth while simultaneously promoting healthy nail regeneration.

    The science behind LLLT is well-researched and has been shown to stimulate cellular activity, enhance blood circulation, and increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is essential for cellular energy. This means that not only does the laser treatment work to eliminate the fungus, but it also actively encourages the growth of healthy nails, effectively reversing the damage caused by the infection.

    Using the Welnax BioClear device is straightforward. Users attach the device to the affected nail, press the power button, and let it work for a seven-minute session. The convenience of this at-home treatment allows individuals to continue with their daily routines while effectively addressing their nail health issues. With consistent use, many users report visible improvements in approximately 1-2 months, making it a practical and efficient solution for toenail fungus.

    Real Testimonials from Satisfied Users

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life-Changing Results! – Sarah M.

    “I had struggled with toenail fungus for years and tried everything—creams, medications, even home remedies. Nothing worked until I found the Welnax BioClear device. Within a few months, my nails started to clear up, and now they look healthier than ever!”

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy to Use and Effective – James L.

    “I was skeptical at first, but this device truly works. The treatment is painless, and I can use it at home without hassle. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with stubborn toenail fungus!”

    Find out if Welnax BioClear is the right solution for you.

    Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device Features

    Low-Level Laser Therapy for Nail Fungus

    The Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device’s hallmark feature is its utilization of low-level laser therapy (LLLT). This non-invasive treatment has gained popularity for its ability to combat toenail fungus effectively without harsh chemicals or painful procedures. The laser penetrates the nail bed, targeting the fungus at its source. This method disrupts fungal growth and promotes healing, leading to healthier nails.

    LLLT is clinically proven to be safe and effective for various nail conditions. It works by enhancing blood circulation in the area, boosting cellular metabolism, and increasing energy production within the cells. As a result, users can expect to see significant improvements in the appearance and health of their nails, all while enjoying a pain-free treatment experience.

    Convenient, At-Home Treatment

    One of the standout advantages of the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device is its convenience. Unlike traditional treatments that often require multiple visits to a clinic or salon, this device allows users to perform treatments in the comfort of their homes. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, so it can be used anywhere—at home, while traveling, or even at work.

    Using the device is simple and requires minimal time commitment. Users can seamlessly incorporate this treatment into their daily routines with just seven minutes per session. This ease of use makes Welnax BioClear an appealing option for individuals with busy lifestyles who still want to prioritize their nail health.

    Safe, Effective, and Gentle

    Safety is a top priority for any health-related device, and the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device excels. It is clinically approved and dermatologist-recommended, ensuring that it is suitable for users of all ages. The treatment’s non-invasive nature means no harmful side effects, making it a gentle option for those with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions.

    This device offers a drug-free alternative to traditional treatments, alleviating concerns about the potential side effects of medications or topical ointments. Users can feel confident choosing Welnax BioClear as a safe and effective solution for their toenail fungus problems.

    Benefits of Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device

    • Effective Treatment: Low-level laser therapy targets and eliminates toenail fungus at its root.
    • Visible Results: Many users report noticeable improvements within 1-2 months of consistent use.
    • Convenient: Simple to use at home with minimal time commitment required (7 minutes per session).
    • Non-Invasive: Pain-free treatment without the need for harsh chemicals or invasive procedures.
    • Dermatologist-Approved: Clinically tested and recommended for safety and efficacy.
    • Portable Design: Easy to carry and use wherever you go.
    • Suitable for All Ages: Safe for children and adults alike, making it a family-friendly option.
    • Affordable: Cost-effective compared to salon treatments and prescription medications.
    • Long-Lasting Results: Promotes healthy nail regrowth, ensuring lasting improvements.
    • Enhances Confidence: Restores the natural beauty of your nails, boosting self-esteem.

    How Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Makes the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device Completely Effective

    Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a persistent and often frustrating condition affecting millions worldwide. Traditional treatments like antifungal creams, oral medications, and home remedies frequently yield inconsistent results and come with side effects. However, advancements in Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) have introduced a new, effective, and non-invasive solution—devices like the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device leverage LLLT technology to combat fungal infections at the source, offering a safe and efficient way to restore healthy nails.

    Understanding Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Its Role in Treating Toenail Fungus

    LLLT is a non-invasive, painless treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the nail and surrounding tissue. Unlike traditional antifungal therapies, which may only work on the surface, LLLT targets the fungal infection at the cellular level, helping to eradicate fungal spores, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy nail regrowth.

    The Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device harnesses the power of LLLT to disrupt the lifecycle of toenail fungus, eliminating the infection while improving the overall health of the nail and surrounding skin. By integrating this advanced laser therapy, this device offers a groundbreaking alternative to chemical-laden solutions and invasive procedures.

    The Benefits of LLLT in the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device

    1. Penetrates Deep to Eliminate Fungus at the Source

    One of the primary reasons traditional antifungal treatments fail is that they do not penetrate deep enough to eliminate the fungal spores. LLLT bypasses this limitation by delivering therapeutic light energy directly to the affected area, ensuring deeper penetration beneath the nail bed where the infection thrives. This ability to target the source makes the Welnax BioClear device more effective than topical treatments.

    2. Stimulates Healthy Nail Growth

    Fungal infections often lead to brittle, discolored, and thickened nails. LLLT doesn’t just kill fungus—it also stimulates nail matrix cells, promoting the regeneration of stronger, healthier nails. Users can expect to see improvements in nail clarity, texture, and strength as the infected portion grows and is replaced with new, healthy nail tissue.

    3. Non-Invasive and Pain-Free Treatment

    Unlike oral antifungal medications that may cause liver toxicity or topical treatments that require prolonged application, LLLT is entirely pain-free. The Welnax BioClear device delivers gentle laser energy that does not cause discomfort, burning, or irritation, making it an ideal solution for individuals with sensitive skin or those who prefer drug-free alternatives.

    4. Reduces Inflammation and Enhances Healing

    Fungal infections often cause redness, swelling, and discomfort around the nail. LLLT’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and improve circulation, speeding up the body’s natural healing process. By increasing blood flow to the affected area, the Welnax BioClear device ensures that essential nutrients and oxygen reach the nail, further enhancing recovery.

    5. No Risk of Side Effects

    Oral antifungal medications can cause a range of side effects, including liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, and allergic reactions. Topical solutions, however, may contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation. LLLT offers a safe and side-effect-free treatment option, making the Welnax BioClear device suitable for all ages and skin types.

    6. Convenient At-Home Treatment

    Previously, laser therapy for toenail fungus was only available in dermatology or podiatry clinics, often requiring multiple expensive sessions. With the Welnax BioClear device, users can enjoy professional-grade laser therapy from the comfort of their homes. The device is compact, easy to use, and requires only a few minutes per session, making it a convenient addition to any daily routine.

    7. Prevents Recurrence of Infection

    One of the biggest challenges with toenail fungus treatment is recurrence. Even after the infection clears, there’s always a risk of reinfection, especially if spores remain in shoes or on surfaces. LLLT eradicates active fungal spores and strengthens the nail and surrounding tissue, making it more resistant to future infections. Regularly using the Welnax BioClear device can be a preventative measure, ensuring long-term nail health.

    8. Works Without Harmful Chemicals

    Many antifungal treatments contain harsh chemicals like tolnaftate or terbinafine, which can cause adverse reactions. LLLT offers a chemical-free alternative, allowing individuals to treat their toenail fungus naturally without exposing themselves to potentially harmful substances. This is particularly beneficial for people with allergies, skin sensitivities, or those seeking a more holistic approach to wellness.

    9. Clinically Proven Technology

    LLLT has been extensively studied and clinically proven effective against various conditions, including toenail fungus. Research has demonstrated that laser therapy significantly reduces fungal infections and improves nail appearance. The Welnax BioClear device incorporates this cutting-edge technology, ensuring users receive an effective and scientifically backed treatment.

    10. Improves Overall Foot Health

    Toenail fungus doesn’t just affect nails—it can also cause discomfort, unpleasant odor, and infections that spread to surrounding skin. Using LLLT, the Welnax BioClear device helps maintain overall foot hygiene, reducing the risk of secondary infections, athlete’s foot, and other common foot problems. Keeping feet fungus-free contributes to overall comfort and confidence.

    Compare Welnax BioClear with other treatment options.

    How to Use the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device for Best Results

    Using the Welnax BioClear device is simple and hassle-free. Follow these steps for optimal results:

    1. Clean the affected area – Wash and dry your feet thoroughly before each session.
    2. Position the device – Place the Welnax BioClear device over the affected nail, ensuring proper contact.
    3. Activate the treatment – Turn on the device and let it run for the recommended duration (typically a few minutes per session).
    4. Repeat daily – Consistency is key; use the device as directed until healthy nail growth is restored.
    5. Maintain foot hygiene – Wear breathable shoes, keep feet dry, and trim nails regularly to prevent reinfection.

    Why Welnax BioClear is the Ultimate LLLT Toenail Fungus Solution

    Low-level laser Therapy (LLLT) transforms how toenail fungus is treated, providing a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective alternative to traditional methods. The Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device harnesses the power of this innovative technology, offering users a convenient at-home solution for eliminating fungal infections, stimulating healthy nail growth, and preventing recurrence.

    With its deep-penetrating laser technology, anti-inflammatory benefits, and clinically proven effectiveness, the Welnax BioClear device stands out as one of the best solutions for treating toenail fungus naturally. Say goodbye to unsightly, brittle nails and hello to healthier, stronger, and fungus-free feet with the power of LLLT.

    How to Use Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device

    Using the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device is a straightforward process that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. To achieve optimal results, follow these simple steps:

    1. Preparation: First, ensure that your nails are clean and dry. Then, remove any nail polish or debris from the affected area so that the device can work effectively.
    2. Attach the Device: Position the Welnax BioClear device directly over the affected toenail. Ensure that it is securely attached for optimal contact.
    3. Power On: Press the power button to activate the device. The laser will begin to emit light, initiating the treatment process.
    4. Treatment Duration: Allow the device to work for seven minutes. You can go about your daily activities during this time, as the treatment is designed to be nonintrusive and pain-free.
    5. Frequency of Use: The Welnax BioClear device should be used twice daily for best results. Consistency is key to achieving healthier nails.
    6. Monitor Progress: Monitor your nail health over time. With regular use, you should start to notice visible improvements in the condition of your nails within 1-2 months.

    Following these simple steps, users can treat their toenail fungus effectively and enjoy healthier, clearer nails.

    Pros and Cons of the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device

    Pros:

    • Non-invasive and pain-free – No discomfort during treatment.
    • Deep penetration – Targets fungus at the source for effective results.
    • Chemical-free solution – Safe for all skin types with no risk of irritation.
    • Clinically backed technology – Proven effectiveness against toenail fungus.
    • At-home convenience – Easy to use without needing doctor visits.
    • Prevents reinfection – Strengthens nails and surrounding tissue.
    • No known side effects – Unlike oral medications that may cause liver toxicity.
    • Improves overall foot health – Reduces inflammation and enhances circulation.

    Cons:

    • Requires consistent use – Daily treatment is needed for optimal results.
    • Takes time to see results – Healthy nail regrowth may take months.
    • It is not an instant cure. The results depend on the nail growth cycle and the severity of the infection.
    • Higher upfront cost – More expensive than some topical treatments, though cost-effective over time.
    • Battery or power-dependent – Needs regular charging or power source for continued use.

    How to Order Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device

    Ordering the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Here’s how you can get your hands on this innovative product:

    1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the Welnax website for options and deals.
    2. Select Your Package: Choose from several purchasing options that cater to your needs. Whether you want a single device or multiple units for family members, packages are available to suit different requirements.
    3. Add to Cart: Once you have selected your preferred package, click the “Add to Cart” button.
    4. Checkout Process: Proceed to checkout by providing the necessary information, including your shipping address and payment details. Ensure that you review your order before finalizing the purchase.
    5. Confirmation: After completing your order, you will receive a confirmation email with your details and estimated delivery time.
    6. Enjoy Your Device: Once your Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device arrives, follow the usage instructions to start your journey toward healthier nails.

    With a user-friendly ordering process, acquiring the Welnax BioClear device is as simple as a few clicks.

    Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device Pricing and Bonuses

    The pricing structure for the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device offers excellent value, especially when considering the savings available on bundled packages. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pricing options:

    • 1x Welnax BioClear
      • Price: $99.90 (Original: $199.90)
      • Savings: 50%
      • Label: Personal Pack
      • Perfect for individuals looking to treat their toenail fungus conveniently at home.
    • 2x Welnax BioClear
      • Price: $149.90 (Original: $398.80)
      • Savings: 62%
      • Label: Useful Pack
      • Ideal for couples or family members who may also be dealing with nail issues.
    • 3x Welnax BioClear (Recommended Deal)
      • Price: $179.90 (Original: $599.70)
      • Savings: 70%
      • Label: Best Pack
      • Highly recommended for families or those seeking the best value for long-term use.
    • 4x Welnax BioClear
      • Price: $199.90 (Original: $799.60)
      • Savings: 75%
      • Label: Family Pack
      • The ultimate solution for family members facing similar nail challenges is to ensure everyone can access this effective treatment.

    Each package comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing customers to try the product risk-free and experience the benefits themselves.

    More Real Testimonials from Satisfied Users

    • Life-Changing Results! – Sarah M.

    “I had struggled with toenail fungus for years and tried everything—creams, medications, even home remedies. Nothing worked until I found the Welnax BioClear device. Within a few months, my nails started to clear up, and now they look healthier than ever!”

    • Easy to Use and Effective – James L.

    “I was skeptical at first, but this device truly works. The treatment is painless, and I can use it at home without hassle. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with stubborn toenail fungus!”

    • No More Fungus, No More Worries – Lisa K.

    “I used to be embarrassed to wear sandals because of my toenails. After consistent use of the Welnax BioClear, my nails are finally clear! It’s such a relief to have my confidence back.”

    • Worth the Investment – Robert D.

    “This device isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s worth every penny. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my nails and feel much better about my foot health overall.”

    • Patience is Key – Emily R.

    “I saw gradual results over time, but you must be patient. It takes a while for the nail to grow out completely. But I’m happy to say it works if you stick with it!”

    Conclusion for Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device

    In conclusion, the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device represents a significant advancement in treating toenail fungus. With its innovative use of low-level laser therapy, this device offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution that can be easily integrated into daily life. The convenience of at-home treatments and the impressive results reported by users make Welnax BioClear a compelling choice for anyone struggling with nail fungus issues.

    The device’s portability and ease of use further enhance its appeal, allowing users to take control of their nail health wherever they go. With various affordable packages available, including substantial savings on multi-unit purchases, buying Welnax BioClear is a wise decision for individuals and families seeking to reclaim their confidence through healthier nails.

    By choosing Welnax BioClear, you invest in a product and your self-esteem and overall well-being. Say goodbye to the embarrassment of toenail fungus and embrace the freedom of having beautiful, healthy nails with the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device.

    Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device FAQs

    What is the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device?

    A treatment device that uses low-level laser therapy effectively eliminates toenail fungus from the comfort of your home.

    How long does it take to see results?

    Many users report visible improvements within 1-2 months of consistent use.

    Is the treatment painful?

    No, the device is designed to be non-invasive and pain-free.

    Can children use Welnax BioClear?

    It is safe for users of all ages when used with adult supervision.

    How often should I use the device?

    For optimal results, it is recommended to use the device twice a day for seven minutes each session.

    Is there a money-back guarantee?

    Yes, Welnax offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if unsatisfied with the product.

    Can I use the device on multiple nails at once?

    The device is designed to be used on one nail at a time to ensure effective treatment.

    Do I need to clean my nails before using the device?

    It is best to start with clean, dry nails for effective treatment.

    Is Welnax BioClear suitable for all types of nail fungus?

    It is specifically designed to effectively target and treat various forms of toenail fungus.

    How can I order the Welnax BioClear Toenail Fungus Device?

    You can easily order it through the official Welnax website by selecting your desired package and completing the checkout process.

    Stay informed about new advancements in toenail fungus treatment.

    Contact: Welnax Technology international Co., Limited

    Address: UNIT 04, 7/F, BRIGHT WAY TOWER, NO. 33 MONG KOK ROAD, KOWLOON, HK.

    Email: support@trendingadget.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. The BioClear Toenail Fungus Device has not been evaluated by the FDA for medical claims. Individuals with severe or persistent medical concerns should consult a healthcare professional before using this device.

    Results may vary, and individual effectiveness depends on factors such as consistency of use, severity of the infection, and individual nail growth rates. The information provided in this article should not be considered professional medical advice.

    Some links within this article may be affiliate links, meaning the publisher may receive a commission if a purchase is made through these links at no extra cost to the buyer. This helps support the continued creation of valuable content and unbiased product reviews.

    The MIL Network –

  • 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-OSI USA: Expanding Protections for Health Care Providers

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to strengthen New York’s shield law that protects abortion providers from out-of-state prosecution. The bill enhances New York’s current shield law to allow medical providers to include only the address of the dispensing health care practice on the prescription label instead of the name of the provider or practice and requires pharmacies to abide by a prescriber’s request to remove their name from the prescription label. This legislation builds on a law signed by Governor Hochul in January, days after Louisiana officials attempted to extradite a New York-based doctor who prescribed FDA-approved abortion medication through telehealth.

    “New York State is standing up to anti-choice zealots who threaten the sanctity of women’s health care and the medical professionals who provide it,” Governor Hochul said. “My message to anyone who attacks our civil liberties is simple — not here, not now, not ever.”

    Legislation S.4587/A.5285 strengthens shield law protections for health care professionals and their patients, building on legislation signed by the Governor earlier this year. This legislation enhances shield law protections by ensuring health care professionals can request pharmacies to replace their name with the practice address on prescription labels, further safeguarding provider and patient privacy.

    State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am proud to sponsor legislation, alongside Assembly Member Karines Reyes, RN, to strengthen New York’s telehealth shield law and solidify New York’s role as a national leader in protecting abortion rights. New York’s brave doctors are taking significant personal risks to help women access reproductive care, and as red states pursue legal action against New York physicians performing within the scope of their practice, we must support these medical professionals. I would like to thank Assemblymember Karines Reyes for her partnership, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues who supported this important legislation, and Governor Kathy Hochul for signing it into law and keeping women’s access to reproductive rights at the forefront of New York’s priorities. I also want to express my deep gratitude to the dedicated doctors who are committed to ensuring women across the country have access to critical healthcare.”

    Assemblymember Karines Reyes said, “I applaud Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature for enacting my bill to swiftly strengthen our state’s shield law for abortion telemedicine services. We must ensure that New York’s medical professionals, especially in smaller practices, are able to remove personal addresses from the prescription bottles that are given to women seeking reproductive and abortion care. This will allow all parties to focus on care for women and pregnant persons, and discourage violations of patient and provider privacy.”

    New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis said, “I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership in strengthening protections for health care providers and patients. As Chair of the Committee on Women and Gender Equity in the New York City Council, I know how essential it is to ensure reproductive care remains safe and accessible—especially as we face relentless attacks on our rights. We must continue to fortify these protections and stand firm against any efforts to undermine our bodily autonomy, and continually reinforce New York’s role as a sanctuary for reproductive freedom.”

    New York City Council Member Lynn Schumann said, “As Chair of the New York City Council’s Health Committee, I applaud Governor Hochul for taking decisive action to protect reproductive health care providers and patients in New York. At a time when extremists across the country are working to criminalize essential health care, this legislation reaffirms our state’s commitment to safeguarding providers and ensuring that everyone can access the care they need without fear. New York will always be a safe haven for reproductive freedom.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foot and Mouth disease detected in Slovakia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Foot and Mouth disease detected in Slovakia

    The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following the recent outbreaks in Europe

    The Slovak Government has reported three cases of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) close to the Slovakian – Hungarian border. The cases were identified in three separate premises housing cattle.

    The UK Government had already taken action to prevent the commercial import from Slovakia of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other non- domestic ruminants and porcines such as deer and their untreated products, such as fresh meat and dairy. This will protect farmers and their livestock. 

    Since 8 March, travellers to GB have not been able to bring meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by products of pigs and ruminants, or hay or straw, from Hungary and Slovakia after a case on the Hungarian border with Slovakia. 

    The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following the recent outbreaks in Hungary, Germany and now Slovakia. There are no cases in the UK currently.   

    FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas, and alpacas. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.   

    FMD causes significant economic losses due to production losses in the affected animals as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat, and milk for affected countries.  

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said:

    Foot and Mouth disease has now been confirmed in Slovakia, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation. 

    We have seen a disturbing number of foot and mouth cases on the continent, and we need to stay on high alert to the risk of disease incursion – as a government, at the border and on our farms.

    Protecting animal health and minimising the risk of disease incursion remains our top priority. Livestock keepers are reminded to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

    Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

    With disease now confirmed in Slovakia , it is clear the Government’s precautionary approach to ban Slovakian imports was the right one.  

    The confirmation of a Foot and Mouth disease in a third European country is a serious concern, the government will take whatever action is necessary to prevent the further spread of disease.   

    Ensuring the safety of our livestock sector and protecting our farmers will always be a top priority.

    This comes as the government announced a £200 million investment in the UK’s main research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to bolster protection against animal disease.   

    What you can do   

    If you’re an animal keeper, read about how to spot foot and mouth disease and report it.   

    If you’re an importer or exporter, read about the import restrictions for foot and mouth disease.    

    Clinical signs to be aware of vary depending on the animals, but in cattle the main signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue with potentially a fever, lameness and a reluctance to feed. In sheep and pigs, signs tend to manifest with lameness with potential for blistering.     

    While horses and companion animals are not susceptible to FMD, hay feed or straw bedding, if sourced from an infected area, could act as a fomite and therefore also prevented from entering GB. 

    Maintaining good biosecurity is essential to protecting the health and welfare of herds and critical to preventing the spread of diseases such as FMD and preventing an outbreak spreading.   

    Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:   

    • 03000 200 301 in England    
    • 0300 303 8268 in Wales    
    • your local  Field Services Office in Scotland

    For more information, visit: Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products: topical issues – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • 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 Europe: Message of the Holy Father to participants in the Jubilee pilgrimage of the Archdiocese of Naples and other dioceses

    Source: The Holy See

    Message of the Holy Father to participants in the Jubilee pilgrimage of the Archdiocese of Naples and other dioceses, 22.03.2025

    The following is the message prepared by the Holy Father on the occasion of the Jubilee pilgrimage of the archdiocese of Naples and other dioceses, read out by His Eminence Cardinal Domenico Battaglia, archbishop of Naples, during the Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Square:

    Message of the Holy Father
    Dear brothers and sisters of the diocese of Naples and many other dioceses present,
    I greet you and your bishops on the occasion of the diocesan Jubilee pilgrimages you are undertaking. They express the unity that gathers you as a community around your pastors and the bishop of Rome, as well as the commitment to embrace Jesus’ invitation to enter “through the narrow gate” (Mt 7:13). Love is like this: it unites and makes us grow together. That is why, even though your paths are different, it has brought you here together at the tomb of Peter, from which you can depart even stronger in faith and more united in charity.
    In these days I have strongly felt the support of your closeness, especially through the prayers with which you have accompanied me. Therefore, although I cannot be physically present among you, I express to you my great joy in knowing you are united with me and among yourselves in the Lord Jesus, as Church.
    I bless you and pray for you. And please, continue to pray for me. Thank you.
    FRANCIS
    From “A. Gemelli” Hospital, 22 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume Schneider and WHO Director General meet in Geneva

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

    On Friday, 21 March, 2025, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, met for an exchange in Geneva. They discussed Switzerland’s commitment to ensuring the WHO’s capacity to act as well as the country’s efforts for an effective multilateralism. Other topics on the agenda were the constraint budgetary situation of the WHO and the organisation’s ongoing reform processes.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Life Line Screening Reviews: What You Need To Know?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, March 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — You may have come across plenty of Life Line Screening reviews and articles. But not all of them come with the required information that you need. As such, we share with you this thoroughly researched Life Line Screening review. Here, we share with you real insights from customers, why you should use Life Line Screening and Life Line Screening scam alerts, if any. Visit The Website Of Life Line Screening To Learn More >>

    Life Line Screening is a very popular preventive health screening service. But, some people are skeptical regarding it. What is included in the service, and what are the pros and cons? In this article, we will cover everything that you need to know about Life Line Screening, plus real reviews.

    As we reveal several important points, we will also reveal Life Line Screening customer reviews and frequently asked questions.

    What is Life Line Screening?

    Life Line Screening is a preventive health screening company. The company began in 1993 and has screened over 10 million people in the United States. Each year about 700,000 people attend Life Line Screening events to get peace of mind or early detection for their risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

    Life Line Screening events take place all around the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Over the years, the company added several screenings for additional health concerns, such as diabetes and cholesterol.

    Life Line Screening allows people to choose from more than 14,000 screening locations at an affordable price. Some of the benefits that Life Line Screening offers are convenient locations, accurate screenings and affordable prices. Screenings are easy, painless and non-invasive. There is a wide selection of screenings to pick from and all the screenings use state-of-the-art technology.

    =>(Special Package Pricing) Get an Appointment on the Site of Life Line Screening

    What is included in Life Line Screening?

    In this section, we will list the most common package at Life Line Screening, what to expect at your appointment, and the Life Line Screening preparation instructions.

    These painless and non-invasive screenings can identify risks that lead to stroke and cardiovascular disease, including carotid artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm and atrial fibrillation.

    One of the common questions people ask is how Life Line Screening differs from getting these tests through your doctor. Often, if you are asymptomatic, your insurance company won’t cover preventive health screenings. As a result, your doctor or hospital may charge over $1,000 for one screening. Life Line Screening offers a package of 4 preventive health screenings for an affordable price and is intended for asymptomatic people in order to provide early detection or peace of mind.

    The best part is that Life Line Screening has locations all across the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Getting started is very easy as there are over 14,000 Life Line Screening locations to choose from. You can find screening locations near you by entering your zip code on their website. All the available appointments near you over the next 12 weeks will be listed and you can select the best option for your schedule.

    Once you select your location, date and time, the next page is where you enter your personal information and credit card to reserve your appointment. Upon confirming your appointment, you will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for the screening.

    Does Life Line Screening Work?

    Each year about 700,000 people across the continental United States use Life Line Screening to gain peace of mind or early detection. So, if you are wondering if Life Line Screening is worth your time, the answer is Yes. It is considered one of the highest quality preventive screening companies for people age 40 and older, and is affordable, convenient and provides accurate results.

    When writing this piece, we have done a thorough analysis of Life Line Screening to see if there are any scam alerts and we also researched several Life Line Screening reviews. It must be noted that many skeptical consumers came to the realization that Life Line Screening really works and identified their risk for illnesses.

    Why Use Life Line Screening?

    Life Line Screening is one of the most comprehensive preventive screening services available to people in the United States. More than 10 million people have participated in a Life Line Screening since 1993.

    Here are the reasons why you should consider and use Life Line Screening.

    • The screening service offered by Life Line Screening is affordable.
    • Highly trained technicians perform the screenings.
    • Screenings are painless and noninvasive.
    • Screenings provide peace of mind or early detection; both are a good thing.
    • Screenings are conveniently located in your neighborhood.
    • Life Line Screening is an established company conducting millions of screenings in over 25 years of business.

    Life Line Screening Benefits

    Life Line Screening offers benefits for both mind and body. It can detect serious illness and disease before symptoms arise. Here are some other benefits that come with Life Line Screening.

    • Preventive Health Care:

    Life Line Screening helps identify serious health risks such as stroke and cardiovascular disease. Many serious illnesses don’t have apparent symptoms in the early stages.

    • Enjoy Peace of Mind:

    Screenings provide early detection or peace of mind. Regular screenings are important as your health changes over time.

    • Reduce Potential Costs:

    Finding out if you have a health problem or risk that may lead to serious complications enables you to work with a physician to take action. Being proactive can reduce potential medical costs down the road. Screenings provide peace of mind or early detection, both are priceless.

    • Flexible Screening Locations and Dates:

    One of the best things is the convenient screening locations and dates which you can pick from. Life Line Screening has over 14,000 locations across the continental United States, they make it easy for everyone to attend a screening. They also offer affordable screening packages.

    =>(Special Package Pricing) Get an Appointment on the Site of Life Line Screening

    Life Line Screening Pros And Cons

    Just like any screening program, Life Line Screening has both positive and negative points. In this section, we will share the Life Line Screening pros and cons that you must consider before making your appointment.

    Pros:

    • Preventive health screenings provide peace of mind or early detection.
    • Screenings provide early detection of stroke and cardiovascular disease risk.
    • Screening packages are affordable.
    • Highly trained technicians perform the screenings.
    • Life Line Screening has over 14,000 locations across the continental United States.
    • A screening can be performed at a suitable time and location that is convenient for you.

    Cons:

    • Life Line Screening is only available in the USA, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
    • Life Line Screening is not covered by insurance.

    Are Preventive Health Screenings Right For You?

    Life Line Screening is a preventive health screening company. Preventive health screenings can be extremely beneficial when you bring your results to your physician and take action, if necessary.

    The most common package at Life Line Screening includes 4 screenings:

    • Carotid Artery Screening
    • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
    • Atrial Fibrillation Screening
    • Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening

    This screening package is recommended for anyone age 40 or older.

    Is Life Line Screening a Scam?

    When compiling this thorough review, we have gone through plenty of reviews and Life Line Screening scam alerts. Life Line Screening is a legit company that has been screening millions of people since its inception. The company has been in business over 20 years and has a strong positive reputation in the preventive health industry.

    Life Line Screening Real Customer Reviews

    • “I am 60 years old and had a screening in May 2019 and found my right carotid artery was 70% blocked. I had no symptoms. Took the results to my doctor then to a vascular surgeon who ran his own tests. I had surgery 5 weeks ago and it was a success. You can’t put a price on health. Thank you Life Line Screening.” –Kim, Illinois.
    • “Even though I feel fine, I am at risk and wanted to get checked and be proactive about my health.” -D. Whitehead, Georgia.
    • “Life Line Screening is the only reason I’m alive today. They found the abdominal aortic aneurysm which was monitored until it got to the size that required surgery and now it is stronger than before. I recommend everyone over 50 to get checked and this is the least expensive way to get a clean bill of health that will ease your mind and maybe save your life.” –Cliff, Missouri.
    • “The doctor said I was a “walking time bomb”… I know that the screening saved my life…” -A. Bay, Tennessee.

    The testimonials reflect real life stories from Life Line Screening customers. Testimonials that include abnormal findings may not reflect the typical experience since most screening results are normal.

    Life Line Screening Reviews—Final Words

    What sets Life Line Screening apart is the ability to provide accurate preventive health screenings for people age 40 and older in the United States at an affordable price. Every year, the company has been providing high-quality preventive screenings at very affordable rates. That’s part of the reason why you will find many positive Life Line Screening reviews. Also, Life Line Screening makes it very easy to schedule your appointment.

    =>(Special Package Pricing) Get an Appointment on the Site of Life Line Screening

    The FAQs About Life Line Screening

    • Is Life Line Screening a Scam?

    Life Line Screening is not a scam. It is a respected company in the preventive health screening industry. The company has been providing its services since 1993 and continues to screen about 700,000 people each year. The company is legit and conducts over 14,000 screening events across the United States each year. Many satisfied participants share good words and positive reviews about Life Line Screening. As such, if you are skeptical about the company, there is nothing to worry about.

    • How accurate is Life Line Screening?

    Highly trained technicians perform the screenings using state-of-the-art equipment. Most screening results are reviewed by a board-certified physician before they are shared with participants.

    • Is Life Line Screening a good thing to do?

    Screenings are recommended for anyone age 40 and older, and Life Line Screening is a reputable company to use. Screenings provide peace of mind or early detection. Millions of Americans have used Life Line Screening.

    • Is Life Line Screening worth the cost?

    Finding out if you have a health problem or risk that may lead to serious complications enables you to work with a physician to take action. Being proactive can reduce potential medical costs down the road. Screenings provide peace of mind or early detection, both are priceless.

    • Is Life Line Screening a legitimate business?

    Life Line Screening is undoubtedly a legitimate business.

    • How do I find a Life Line Screening location near me?

    The company provides over 14,000 screening events across the United States each year. Click Here to Get Special Pricing on a Life Line Screening Package!

    • What do you wear to Life Line Screening?

    After receiving a Life Line Screening appointment confirmation, the company sends all the required information on how to prepare for the screening.

    Read More: Life Line Screening Reviews

    About: RobustAlive

    RobustAlive shares e-commerce and sales news, product reviews, and the latest news on various products.

    Media Contact: admin@robustalive.com

    RobustAlive provides this review for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase done from this story is done at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor/health professional before any such purchase. Any purchase done from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the website that is selling the product. The content on this release does not take any responsibility directly or indirectly.

    Affiliate Disclosure:
    The links contained in this product review may result in a small commission to RobustAlive if you opt to purchase the product recommended at no additional cost to you. This goes towards supporting our research and editorial team and please know we only recommend high-quality products.

    Disclaimer:
    Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely a substitute for sound medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure to consult with a professional physician before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary as the statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

    Product support: info@llsa.com

    Life Line Screening
    Barton Oaks Plaza 2, Suite 130
    901 South Mopac Expressway
    Austin, TX 78746

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ac11881-bee6-4d1f-ad1d-f7e464bd869f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c30970c6-aded-4bac-9d10-1d64aca9ceac

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: World Tuberculosis Day 2025: Funding cuts threaten global TB control efforts, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    World Tuberculosis Day 2025: Funding cuts threaten global TB control efforts, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is marked annually on 24 March, the anniversary of the discovery of the causative mycobacterium by Dr Robert Koch. This year’s theme – “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver” – serves as an important reminder of the need for continued investment and funding in order to end the TB epidemic.* This follows the recent funding cuts to TB programs, particularly from the US, that raise serious concerns about the future of TB control and treatment efforts, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    TB is responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other infectious disease, claiming approximately 1.25 million lives in 2023 alone according to the World Health Organization. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has historically been the largest bilateral donor to TB programs, contributing approximately $250 million annually. This funding has been instrumental in supporting the essential TB services, particularly in high-burden countries. However, sharp reductions in aid have disrupted TB programs worldwide, with Africa and South-East Asia among the hardest-hit regions.

    Abigail Harris, Infectious Disease Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Funding cuts of this magnitude will directly impact access to TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, leaving millions vulnerable to disease progression and death. Without urgent intervention, we risk undoing decades of progress in TB elimination.”

    A major concern arising from these funding cuts is the potential for increased drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) cases. Inconsistent treatment due to financial constraints can lead to incomplete therapy, allowing the TB bacterium to develop resistance to standard drugs. DR-TB is significantly more challenging and expensive to treat.

    Harris continues: “If we allow funding gaps to persist, we risk facing an even deadlier TB crisis, where highly resistant strains, which require more prolonged and costly treatment, become more prevalent. The global health community must act swiftly to ensure continued access to treatment and accelerate research into new, effective therapies.”

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged immediate action to close the TB funding gap and meet global TB targets, including expanding diagnostic access, improving treatment regimens, and advancing vaccine development.

    GlobalData’s pipeline products database reveals a promising TB pipeline with 15 prophylactic vaccines in clinical development. However, continued R&D investment is essential for the most promising candidates to reach the market.

    Harris concludes: “Governments, international donors, and private-sector partners must recognize TB as the global health emergency that it is. Without sustained investment, the disease will claim more lives and pose an increasing threat to global health security.”

    *The United Nations High-level Meeting (UNHLM) on the Fight Against Tuberculosis was held in September 2023, where member states adopted a historic political declaration on TB. This contained the most ambitious targets to date in the fight against this disease and would put the world on track to ending TB by 2030 if countries follow through on their commitments.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • 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.

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


    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 Australia: Connected Beginnings site launch – Wunan Child and Parent Centre Kununurra, Western Australia

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    Can I start by acknowledging the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet. Thank you very much, Auntie, for the beautiful welcome to country and the ceremony. I pay my respects to elders past and present and celebrate the diversity of our First Nations people, their ongoing culture and traditions, their education practices and their connections to land, water and sky.

    I also acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of the amazing Connected Beginnings program, which I’ll talk a little bit about today as well.

    The knowledge and wisdom that communities bring to Connected Beginnings is what drives the  success to where we are today. Thank you to the Binarri Binyja Yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation for having us today, it’s super duper exciting to have you joining the Connected Beginnings family.

    And I really do want to make special mention of my very, very dear friend and very dear colleague, the amazing Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, who was able to make it here with us today. Thanks so much for being here.

    I also want to acknowledge Agnes Armstrong, local Miriuwung elder who is joining us today, providing wisdom and strength to this community, and here today we also have Vanessa [indistinct] from SNAICC, and without the wonderful SNAICC and the wonderful experts like Vanessa, the Connected Beginnings program just wouldn’t be possible, so thanks for everything that you and SNAICC do.

    Also joined by representatives from Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service who have signed on as the health partner for Connected Beginnings here in Kununurra, and I want to extend my respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with us here today.

    What a beautiful site this is, what a beautiful gathering we have this morning to celebrate the opening of the very last 50th Connected Beginnings site right across Australia.

    As a very proud Western Australian, albeit from Perth, it took me seven hours of travelling to get up here – I was determined to make it – it’s so great to be here with you today to make this huge and important announcement.

    We’ve reached our target. We had a target of 50 Connected Beginnings sites right across Australia, and today marks the day, with this site opening, that we’ve reached that target, and can I say, six months before the deadline. Six months before the deadline, and have delivered not just all of them, but on time ahead of schedule as well.

    Now, for those of you who don’t know, this program, the Connected Beginnings program is really quite phenomenal, it really to me harkens back to traditional ways of doing things, traditional ways of raising children. I come from a part of world where the community raises the child. If you can’t breastfeed, you’ve got a wet nurse, your sister can breastfeed, or your sister in law can breast feed, it takes a village to raise a child, everyone goes in and raises that child. That’s how you get children who thrive, when you bring together the expertise, the parenting, health, early childhood education, language, in place and in country and on country. That’s how you get young people and children to thrive.

    As you know, Connected Beginnings is helping to close not just the gap but the gaping chasm in outcomes for our First Nations children by ensuring that health, that education and family support services work together to help children and their families have that successful transition to school, and I don’t have to tell any of you just how important those first five years of a child’s life are.

    By the time a child reaches school, 90 per cent of their brain has already developed, 90 per cent has already developed, which means that if we get those first five years right, before they get to school, we have the opportunity in our hand to change the trajectory of a child’s life, to make a huge difference and a huge impact, not just now, not just for those first five years, but well into school, into adolescence, and into adulthood as well.

    That’s how significant this program is, that’s how significant those first five years are, and that is exactly why we need as a government, working with the community, to ensure that we do everything that we can to give the very best possible start in life for our children in communities here.

    We know that when children are strong in culture and go to early childhood education and care, they have better outcomes, having that connection to their identity, to their culture, to their land, [indistinct], and place. They have better outcomes at school, they have better outcomes through adolescence and throughout adulthood.

    So when we bring together quality early learning with the strong identity grounded in culture and health support it creates a bright future for these children.

    You cannot separate health outcomes from educational outcomes, and you cannot separate educational outcomes on having a strong identity and a strong connection to community, to land, to culture.

    We’re creating this future for our youngest Australians by empowering communities to design and deliver a program in a way that supports the individual needs, and that’s the trick there, that’s the key part of it; is empowering the communities to do that. Local knowledge, local intel, years and years of traditional knowledge passed on from generation to generation to generation.

    That’s why Connected Beginnings is achieving results, because it’s about connecting communities in the beginning years of a child’s life, prioritising local knowledge and culture, ensuring that communities determine, design and implement solutions to support their own children.

    We’ve been delivering this in partnership with SNAICC, the National Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children, and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Connected Beginnings program exemplifies all the great things that can happen, the real outcomes that you can achieve, when you actually give community the lead, not just involve them, but give them the lead, and follow them, not get them to follow you; would be the other way around.

    Now when I – last year I visited one of the new Connected Beginnings sides in Geraldton, and afterwards I was doing a media interview, and the journalist said to me, she said, “Oh, this is a new way, a new way of doing things, isn’t it?” And I said to her, “New? No, it’s thousands and thousands of years old in how you raise children”.

    This is the traditional way in how you raise children. You bring together everyone to wrap around a child, to watch that child grow and thrive. Everyone has a part in that child’s life. This is not new, this is old ways, and this is the ways that have been used and proven for generation upon generation upon generation, and when we listen to communities and when they tell us about these ways and the ways of   and how these ways have fostered and cushioned and grown strong children and strong adults for generations, then we have that opportunity to do that for future generations as well.

    Let me tell you a little bit about the Connected Beginnings program. At the existing Connected Beginnings sites, that’s 49 of them, plus this one, number 50, the average attendance of First Nations children in centre based care has increased by more than 10 per cent. That’s the real difference it’s making.

    The existing sites have also seen an increase in the number of children on track in all five of our Australian early development census domains. So you’re getting more children attending and more children meeting the early development census domains; executive functioning, oral language, all of those things that we know is what creates successful learners in young children, as well as successful adolescents and adults.

    And this new site here in Kununurra is being developed in partnership with Binarri Binyja Yarrawoo, the Aboriginal Corporation. It will support – get this – 600, around 600 local First Nations children. That’s pretty huge. And as the 50th site, the Connected Beginnings program now with the opening of this site now has the potential to support up to 20 per cent of all First Nations children right across Australia in those vital years before school. That’s pretty amazing, pretty amazing the difference that we’ve seen it already make, and the difference that we’re going to see it continue to make as well.

    So a huge thank you from me to all of our partners who are here today and to all of our partners right across Australia who have been fundamental in making this happen, making this reality of opening our 50th site a success, a reality, and well ahead of schedule too, I’ve got to put that in again.

    I really look forward to seeing the outcomes of Connected Beginnings site here in Kununurra, watching the families and the young children thrive under this program, and I look forward to coming back here to beautiful Kununurra in who knows how many, maybe a month, maybe a year’s time, and seeing the difference that you are all going to be making here that builds on the difference you’re already making as a community here.

    Thank you to everyone involved, and congratulations on number 50. 

    MIL OSI News –