NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Enhanced urgent care service for Napier

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government will invest in an enhanced overnight urgent care service for the Napier community as part of our focus on ensuring access to timely, quality healthcare, Health Minister Simeon Brown has today confirmed.

    “I am delighted that a solution has been found to ensure Napier residents will continue to receive afterhours care for urgent problems close to home,” says Mr Brown.

    “Not only will the existing service be retained, Health New Zealand has agreed to enhance the overnight service so that Napier residents can receive more comprehensive care such as access to nurse prescribers, plus overnight medical support from a doctor via telehealth.

    “This is a significant improvement on the status quo and means that the local community will have access to a better service, delivered from Napier Health at 76 Wellesley Road, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    “Work has been underway since the end of 2024 to develop a sustainable model of care for urgent care services in the area.

    “Significant feedback was gathered during consultation on how a better and safer patient experience could be delivered. The enhanced service will include:
     

    • The existing nurse-provided walk in service
    • An additional nurse with the ability to prescribe
    • An overnight telehealth medical service

    “Urgent care supports patients with non-life-threatening illnesses who need to see a medical professional quickly and who can’t wait until the following day for medical attention.

    “Nurses will also now be able to connect directly with a doctor overnight if required or schedule a later virtual appointment for the patient. This is a practical option to ensure the people of Napier have access to a doctor for urgent, but non-life threatening, care. This will further strengthen the ability of the overnight nurse led service to be able to support patients.

    “As has always been the case, anyone requiring emergency care should go to the Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital’s emergency department or call 111 for an ambulance.

    “My focus as Minister of Health is ensuring New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare.

    “I am pleased that Health New Zealand has been able to provide certainty to the people of Napier that they will continue to have access to overnight urgent care, now and in the future.

    “I want to thank everyone who has advocated for this service being retained, including local MP Katie Nimon who has been a staunch advocate for the retention of this service, which was put in place following the closure of Napier Hospital in 1998,” Mr Brown says.

    In addition to the enhanced service announced today, Health New Zealand will consider future options to supplement the service such as an on-call clinical pharmacist to support medication dispensing. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Q&A: What is a blue-green network?

    Source: Auckland Council

    A blue-green network is a system of waterways (blue) and parks (green) that give stormwater space to flow and help reduce flooding where people live.

    After severe weather events in 2023, Auckland Council prioritised blue-green projects to better protect our communities from flooding.

    As part of our Making Space for Water 10-year flood resilience programme, we identified 12 focus areas around the region that could benefit the most from a blue-green project.

    What has the council been doing to reduce flood risk in Auckland?

    We have been working hard to assess all the potential project areas to decide if there is an infrastructure solution that can deliver significant flood reduction to the community and that is affordable for ratepayers.

    These assessments are very complex, they involve multiple stages of research, analysis and decision making before a feasible solution can be presented to the council’s Governing Body and central government funding partners for approval. If approved, further stages of design, consenting and engagement are undertaken before a project is ready to construct. This process before construction generally takes 2-3 years.

    Why has the amount of funding allocated to these projects changed?

    Following major 2023 storms, a co-funding package with the Government has given us the opportunity to ‘retreat’ high-risk homes and deliver some key resilience projects sooner than expected.

    Within this funding package, buy-outs have been the first priority to get high-risk homeowners out of harm’s way. Now that we understand more which high-risk areas still need mitigations, and how much funding we have remaining from the package, we can start prioritising flood resilience projects.

    What is the process for delivering the blue green projects?

    While we are working as quickly as possible, we can’t progress all projects at the same time, so they’ll be developed and delivered across several years.

    Central and local government representatives will work together to guide each project through a five-stage process. At each stage decisions will need to be made which will determine whether the project can proceed to the next stage.

    Our staged approach is crucial due to the scale of these projects – they’re expensive and can be disruptive. We want to ensure value for Aucklanders.

    As these projects are made up of a number of connected works and they will make a huge difference to those that live in the area, we will be working together with iwi and the community in prioritised project areas and setting up opportunities in the coming months to meet and start to gather their input to help shape the designs.

    What stage is each project at?

    Two projects in Māngere have already been prioritised, with construction starting soon, because they could be delivered in a reasonable timeframe to reduce the risk to life for local homes.

    Feasibility assessments have been completed for all 12 areas originally identified in the blue-green networks initiative.

    In Ōpoutūkeha / Cox’s Creek, Grey Lynn and Meola-Epsom, much of the flood risk has been managed through the voluntary buy-out programme. Removing these houses will give sufficient space for water to flow.

    Finding a suitable solution to reduce flooding for the Kumeū River catchment has been challenging. The council, with engineering experts, has thoroughly explored several options including building stop banks, extending a flood way, diverting the river, and creating detention ponds upstream.

    Although a lot of work has gone into these ideas, none are feasible due to high costs, environmental impacts, and the high level of residual flood risk faced by the community. We are now working with other council teams and the government to find the best solutions for the community.

    The remaining blue-green projects will take longer to develop as they will need to be funded by the council through the Long-term Plan process. We will aim to deliver these projects over the following 10 years. In areas where larger scale projects cannot be funded right now, we will look for ways to accelerate smaller works that may help to reduce the impacts of lower-level flooding.

    Blue-Green project status

    Project area funding source status

    Project area funding source status

    Project area funding source status

    ·       Harania Creek, Māngere

    ·       Te Ararata Stream, Māngere.

    Crown / Auckland Council

    Funding approved, community engagement underway.

    Construction expected to start April/ May 2025.

    ·       Rānui / Clover Drive

    Crown / Auckland Council

    Council funding approved, pending crown business case approval.

    ·       Wairau Valley

    Crown / Auckland Council

    Community engagement underway.

    Business case being developed.

    ·       Whangapouri (Pukekohe)

    ·       Te Auaunga (Mt Roskill)

    TBC (currently unfunded)

    Early design and modelling underway.

    ·       Whau Stream (Blockhouse Bay / Lynfield)

    ·       Opanuku Stream (Henderson)

    ·       Porter’s Stream

    TBC (currently unfunded)

    Potential options identified.

    ·       Cox’s Creek

    ·       Epsom

    ·       Kumeū

    N/A

    Not progressing through blue-green networks initiative.

    Alternative projects may be scoped in future if required.


    What are the current priorities for development?

    Projects in Harania Creek and Te Ararata Stream are underway and expected to start construction later this year.

    A detailed prioritisation analysis has determined that Clover Drive in Rānui is the next area proposed to progress. Auckland Council’s Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee approved funding in February 2025.

    This area was identified as the next priority based on several criteria due to its potential for reducing risk to life, improving community health and wellbeing, and delivering economic benefits to residents and businesses. Addressing flooding risks in this area also stands to lead to improved water quality and broader environmental benefits. Approval to progress is also required from Crown, with a decision expected in March.

    How does Wairau Valley fit into the overall plan?

    Given the Wairau Valley’s size and the complexity of required mitigations, addressing flooding issues requires a phased approach. This will involve significant long-term investment, community input, and collaboration. The council will be promoting opportunities for the community to participate and provide input into early designs to maximise local benefits before submitting a detailed business case in the coming months. A catchment-wide approach will ensure optimal outcomes for the community.

    This flood resilience work will bring many additional benefits to the community, including better water quality, more open space, improved biodiversity, and better connectivity. We look forward to working together to develop and deliver these improvements.

    What else is being done to reduce flooding in blue-green areas in the meantime?

    We understand that residents may feel anxious about more storms and heavy rain, especially if they were seriously affected in the 2023 storms.

    For those areas that have not been prioritised in this phase but are still included in the blue-green programme, early design and modelling is underway so that projects are ready to progress as soon as funding can be allocated.

    Maintenance and monitoring of critical waterways and infrastructure has been increased to help to improve water flow during smaller storms. We are also looking at other opportunities such as flood intelligence and flood warning systems that will help to reduce risks from severe weather events. Alongside this we continue to update our flood modelling data so that we can base our decisions and recommendations on the most up-to-date information and better prepare and support Aucklanders when future weather events occur.

    Guides offering property level advice to reduce the impacts of flooding in multiple languages can be found on Flood Viewer and in libraries across the region.

    What are the plans for the vacant land once Category 3 houses are cleared?

    More than 1,200 high-risk Auckland properties are expected to be purchased by Auckland Council before the end of 2025 – making it one of the largest land acquisition programmes undertaken in New Zealand.

    We are carefully deciding what to do with this storm-affected land, with decisions expected to take years.

    We want to ensure Auckland’s land is used effectively to provide homes and maintain strong communities, while managing risk and reducing the financial impact to ratepayers.

    If we keep the land, options for use could include:

    • flood resilience and stream management

    • adding it to neighbouring parkland or bush

    • managing it as high-hazard land.

    If we don’t keep the land, options could include:

    • sale for safe redevelopment

    • sale with conditions to manage the risk (such as converting ground floor units to storage)

    • sale to neighbours for extra backyard space.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Kiwis still struggling as economy stumbles along

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Kiwis aren’t feeling any better off despite figures showing a very slight growth in GDP in the December quarter.

    “Let’s not pretend this means life is getting easier for most people, New Zealand’s economy still shrank overall in 2024,” Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

    “The construction sector, which is crucial for jobs and housing, shrank another 3.1 percent last quarter and is down 7.3 percent in 2024. That’s the direct result of National’s cuts to infrastructure and housing projects. Its decisions have put 13,000 construction workers out of a job and left more families struggling to find an affordable home.

    “New Zealanders are working harder but still not getting ahead. This is a Government that talks big, but many Kiwis are worse off than they were before National took office.

    “Unemployment remains high and people’s wages still aren’t keeping up with rising costs. If National was serious about growing the economy, they’d focus on jobs, health, and homes, rather than cutting infrastructure projects, freezing public sector wages, and leaving New Zealanders to struggle with rising costs,” Barbara Edmonds said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brockport woman awaiting sentencing for committing fraud, charged once again with bank fraud and making false statements

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Patricia Hutchins, 53, of Brockport, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with making a false statement and bank fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in July 2021, U.S. Postal Inspectors executed a search warrant at Hutchins’ Rochester and seized documents, cash, and electronic devices that were either used in or derived from various wire fraud schemes, including Unemployment Insurance fraud, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud, and elder fraud. In October 2022, Hutchins was arrested on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. On May 1, 2024, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and is awaiting sentencing on that charge, which is scheduled for April 15, 2025. As part of her plea agreement, Hutchins must pay restitution to two victims: $20,052.00 to reimburse a financial institution for a fraudulent PPP loan disbursement $25,100.00 to an elderly individual who had been duped into “paying off a debt for a friend” by sending that money to Hutchins.

    On October 16, 2024, Hutchins appeared in federal court for sentencing. At that time, she stated that she had invested the entire proceeds of her home sale in a retirement account and did not have any money for restitution. As a result, her sentencing was delayed. On December 4, 2024, Hutchins appeared once again for sentencing. This time, she advised the court that she had given all of her money to an individual whom she believed to be country music recording artist Kenny Chesney, who had agreed to invest it for her. Hutchins had already used this excuse—that she was scammed by a person whom she believed was Kenny Chesney—twice before. Hutchins ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud with the individual whom she claimed to believe was Kenny Chesney.

    According to the latest complaint against Hutchins, the proceeds from the sale of her residence were deposited into her bank account, approximately one month before her scheduled sentencing on October 16, 2024. In the month leading up to the sentencing, she pulled approximately $15,000.00 out of the account, making numerous $250.00 gift card purchases at merchants such as Walgreens, Tops, Wegman’s, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. After the original sentencing was adjourned, and she was directed by the Court to gather funds to pay restitution, Hutchins continued to make regular gift card purchases totaling approximately $8,500.00. As of November 29, 2024, there was approximately $1,000 left in her account. In addition, Hutchins is accused of fraud involving two credit card accounts.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Vocus’ proposed acquisition of TPG enterprise, government and wholesale business not opposed

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The ACCC will not oppose Vocus Group Limited’s proposed acquisition of TPG Telecom Limited’s (ASX: TPG) fixed line business, enterprise, government, and wholesale customer base as well as its fibre and transmission networks.

    Vocus supplies fibre and network services to government, enterprise and wholesale customers. It also supplies communications and technology services to small and medium sized businesses, and retail telecommunications services to consumers.

    Vocus also owns a fibre network, which includes domestic inter-capital transmission and metropolitan fibre infrastructure serving business premises.

    TPG is a major telecommunications company which supplies fixed broadband services to consumers, business and government customers. It also supplies wholesale telecommunication services.

    The ACCC’s review focused on how closely Vocus and TPG compete in the supply of data network and connectivity services, including fixed-line internet services, to large enterprise and government customers.

    “Our investigation found that Vocus concentrates on supplying large enterprise and government customers, whereas TPG focuses on the small and medium enterprise segment of the market,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    The ACCC notes the introduction of NBN Co’s wholesale Enterprise Ethernet product in 2018 has significantly reduced barriers to entry and expansion to supplying large customers. This product has enabled providers with no or a small fibre footprint to compete for larger customers.

    “After the acquisition, Vocus will continue to face strong competitors including Telstra, Optus, Aussie Broadband, Superloop and managed service providers in supplying government, large enterprise, and SME customers,” Dr Williams said.

    As part of the review, the ACCC also considered the impact of the acquisition in the supply of fixed line voice services, NBN wholesale aggregation services, and data centre, cloud and security services.

    “Overall, we did not find that the acquisition would likely result in substantially lessening competition in any market,” Dr Williams said.

    More information can be found on the ACCC’s website at Vocus Group Limited – TPG Telecom Limited.

    Note to editors

    In considering the proposed merger, the ACCC applies the legal test set out in section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act.

    In general terms, section 50 prohibits acquisitions that would have the effect, or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market.

    Background

    The assets that Vocus is proposing to acquire from TPG include the following:

    • Network assets: TPG’s fibre network, including metropolitan, domestic, inter-capital and international subsea cable systems, and data centres that are primarily used for business, enterprise, government, wholesale and SME.
    • Vision Network: a wholly-owned subsidiary of TPG, Vision Network is a fixed line broadband network that provides residential broadband access services in selected areas of Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, as well as Geelong, Ballarat and Mildura.
    • Wholesale, government and enterprise products and services: TPG provides fixed line fibre and fixed line network services to wholesale, enterprise and government customers under the TPG Telecom and AAPT brands.

    TPG also operates a mobile network, which includes the Vodafone brand in Australia. However, this is not part of the proposed acquisition.

    TPG’s consumer, business, enterprise, government, and wholesale mobile customers as well as its consumer and “small office home office” retail fixed line customers and business unit will also be excluded from the proposed acquisition.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation DOI Funding Restored

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Published: March 19, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Following a meeting with Chief Pos Bassett of the Passamaquoddy Reservation at Pleasant Point and further consultation with the Administration, today, Senator Collins announced that her office has received notice from the Department of the Interior (DOI) that previously paused federal funding for the Tribe has resumed.
    “This critical grant funding was awarded by the DOI to support the rehabilitation of the Tribe’s wastewater treatment system that is at imminent risk of flooding,” said Senator Collins. “I am pleased that after our discussions with the Department of the Interior, this funding has been restored, but the Tribe should not have faced this disruption, and I will continue working to ensure that federal commitments to Maine’s Tribes are upheld.”
    The Passamaquoddy Reservation at Pleasant Point was previously awarded $4 million through the DOI Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Community Resilience program in Fiscal Year 2024 to raise the reactor walls at their current wastewater treatment facility to prevent flooding, develop engineering plans and purchase equipment to build a new, relocated facility at a higher elevation, and install hurricane-resistant roofs on Tribal homes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Trump’s Move to Shutter Voice of America is a Victory for Russia & China That Runs Counter to U.S. Interests

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Noting that the U.S. cannot maintain its global interests through military might alone, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today rebuked President Donald Trump’s order to eliminate major components of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which manages Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and more.

    Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says the Trump-Musk retreat from diplomacy and American leadership on the world stage is a gift to Russia and China and makes America less secure.  Senator Reed argues that investing in the ‘soft power’ of fact-based news organizations like Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and more helps counter authoritarian propaganda, spreads facts, and advances peace, freedom, and American interests worldwide.

    Primarily a radio broadcaster, VOA was founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda, and reaches 360 million people a week – including Russians and other countries where Vladimir Putin’s state run propaganda machine has heavy influence.  Like other USAGM entities, it offers objective and accurate reporting and American viewpoints to overseas audiences in dozens of languages.

    Today, Senator Reed issued the following statement:

    “The Trump Administration’s move to shutter these pro-democracy, free speech media organizations is a self-inflicted wound and a severe blow to American interests worldwide.  It is a gift to Putin and Xi.  Instead of surrendering the information war to authoritarian regimes, the U.S. should work with our allies to ensure a free and unbiased press can continue to reach and inform audiences who have no viable alternative to state-run propaganda.

    “Journalists from Voice of America and Radio Free Europe not only bring fair-minded news to people in closed societies, but they help increase our understanding of these places.  Pulling the plug on their mission undercuts America’s vital interests around the globe.  It diminishes our capacity to combat disinformation and promote freedom and democracy.  Repressive regimes aren’t pulling back here, they are increasing their investments in international media activities.  China alone spends billions on international media and influence activities, dwarfing the legitimate efforts of VOA to inform international audiences. State-run Chinese propaganda outlets are racing to influence and grow their audiences in Africa and other regions that Trump is abandoning.

    “Instead of weakening America’s diplomatic infrastructure, the Trump Administration should promote fact-based, multi-language media that counters propaganda and advances freedom and democracy. 

    “True to their mission, Voice of America and Radio Free Europe have a measure of editorial independence from presidential administrations.  Therefore, their reporting may criticize various aspects of U.S. policy.  That seems to be what President Trump really can’t abide.  He routinely calls members of the press “the enemy of the people.”  His Administration strips away reporters’ access when they report facts he doesn’t like. There is a reason the Kremlin and repressive regimes are celebrating Trump’s move and that should make more Americans question it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leader of Multi-Year ‘Operation Fox Hunt’ Repatriation Campaign Directed by the People’s Republic of China Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Defendant Repeatedly Harassed U.S. Resident and His Family to Coerce Repatriation to the PRC

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, defendant Quanzhong An, 58, of Roslyn Heights, New York, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), for his participation in a scheme to cause the coerced repatriation of a U.S. resident (the U.S. Resident) to the PRC as part of the PRC government’s international extralegal repatriation effort known as “Operation Fox Hunt.” In addition to the term of imprisonment, An was ordered to pay a financial penalty of approximately $5 million, including approximately $1.3 million in restitution to the U.S. Resident and his family, as well as a $50,000 fine. An pleaded guilty in May 2024 and was charged in October 2022.

    As set forth in the government’s sentencing memoranda and other court filings, An was a leading member of an international campaign to threaten, harass, and intimidate the U.S. Resident and his family members, with the goal of coercing the U.S. Resident to repatriate to the PRC. An participated in the multi-year scheme to elevate his status within the PRC government as a means of furthering his own economic interests.

    An’s involvement in the repatriation scheme began in 2017, when he attempted to locate the U.S. Resident by visiting the home of the U.S. Resident’s adult son, without notice or invitation. The following year, An sent his daughter, as well as two PRC government officials, to the home of the U.S. Resident’s son. An subsequently met with the U.S. Resident’s son on numerous occasions, during which time An served as a mouthpiece for the PRC by conveying threatening messages on behalf of the PRC government. For example, An said he did not want to pronounce “ruthless words” from the PRC government but stated that PRC officials would “keep pestering [the U.S. Resident’s son], [and] make [his] daily life uncomfortable” if the son was unable to convince his father to repatriate to the PRC. An’s harassment continued unabated from 2017 until his arrest in 2022. An’s conduct intimidated individuals living in the United States and their loved ones in the PRC – just as it was intended to do – for the benefit of the PRC government.

    At sentencing, Judge Matsumoto considered that An participated in additional criminal conduct. Specifically, he perpetrated a bank fraud and money laundering scheme to defraud U.S. financial institutions so that he could enjoy continued access to U.S.-based bank accounts. As part of this scheme, he moved millions of dollars from the PRC into the United States, deliberately deceiving U.S. financial institutions regarding the source and purpose of the funds.

    The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit the FBI’s website.

    Supervisory Official Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York, and Acting Assistant Director in Charge Leslie R. Backshies of the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Solomon, Meredith A. Arfa, and Antoinette N. Rangel for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Claire S. Kedeshian of the Eastern District of New York’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters and Madeline O’Connor and Daniel Saavedra of the Eastern District of New York’s Financial Litigation Program are assisting with restitution matters. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lewiston Woman Sentenced, Ordered to Repay $90,674 for Defrauding Social Security Administration

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Donna Desrosiers lied to fraudulently collect SSI payments for more than a decade

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston woman was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for Social Security fraud.

    U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Donna Desrosiers, 62, to one year of probation and ordered her to pay $90,674 in restitution. Desrosiers pleaded guilty on October 21, 2024.

    According to court records, Desrosiers began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in 2003. At that time, she was informed that she was required to report any changes in her household composition, income, or resources. In a 2012 eligibility review, Desrosiers was reminded of her reporting responsibilities yet did not indicate that her husband was part of her household or that he contributed any income. She received additional reminders of her reporting responsibilities over the years. In 2022, she acknowledged being married to her husband but claimed they had not lived together since 2003, the year she became eligible for SSI. The investigation showed that the couple deposited their funds into a joint bank account.

    During an October 2022 interview with investigators, Desrosiers admitted that her husband lived with her and stayed at her apartment at least part of each month for the previous 11 years. When investigators asked what would have happened if she had reported the presence of her husband in her household, she responded, “They would probably take my check.” From 2011 to 2022, Desrosiers fraudulently collected approximately $90,674 in SSI benefits.

    SSA’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Lowell Town Hall, Warren Lays Out Three Ways She’s Fighting Back Against Trump, Musk’s Dangerous Government Takeover

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 19, 2025
    Video of Remarks (YouTube)
    Boston, MA – At a town hall in Lowell, MA on Tuesday, March 18th, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) laid out her strategy to fight Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s dangerous government takeover hurting Massachusetts families and invited neighbors from Lowell to join her in the fight. 
    Transcript: Senator Warren’s Opening Remarks Town Hall in Lowell, MAMarch 18, 2025 
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: It is so good to see all of you. So, look, I’ve got to start out in a pretty hard place. And that is: our country is under assault right now, assault from within.   
    Donald Trump ran for office, promising on Day One to lower costs for American families. He repeated that over and over and over — ran ads on it, talked about it at every rally, said that one thing he could promise: on Day One, he’d lower costs for American families. 
    After he got elected, the very first interview he gave, he said that was why he won, because he made that promise to lower costs for American families. Are your costs any lower? 
    Audience: No! 
    Senator Warren: No, in fact, look at what Donald Trump has been doing since he was sworn in. Here we are going into the third month. Oh, Lord. Going into the third month and what is he doing? He’s trying to end entire agencies in government. 
    We’ve got the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – woohoo! The cop on the beat so you don’t get cheated on your credit card, on your mortgage, on your car loan, just tried to sweep that completely off the books. Elon Musk tried to kill the CFPB — just take them out. Take them out. 
    The Department of Education, there for our little children, there for people trying to get a college diploma, there to make sure that a good public education is available for all of our kids — and they’re trying to take them out.  
    And as co-president Musk comes through with his chainsaw, he’s getting rid of the “fat” that we don’t need in government. You know, like the nuclear scientists that take care of fissionable material. Getting rid of air traffic controllers, who keep us safe while we’re on airplanes. Getting rid of the people who do the testing to make sure that we can drink the water and breathe the air. Getting rid of the people who inspect food that comes from foreign countries to make sure that we can safely eat it. That’s what he thinks is cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. 
    And understand, they don’t stop there. They also were out trying to cut off our future – end the money that goes into medical research, into scientific research. End the money that goes into higher education. End the money that goes into building the very foundations of our future. That’s what they’re trying to do and they’re throwing it up. They’re throwing up tons of it, every minute.  
    People say to me, “I can’t keep up. I can’t keep up with the headlines. There’s too much going on every day.” Understand this: that is exactly the plan. That is the plan. Because their hope is if you feel overwhelmed, if you can’t keep up with every piece of it, that you will simply cover up your head, give up, and let them do whatever they want. Well, I have to say to them: Not on my watch. Not on my watch. 
    So you look at the list of things they’ve done, and it may feel random to you. It’s like what? And they’re over here doing what? I didn’t even know that thing existed and they did what? There’s a whole lot of that going on, but again, that’s the hope. When you’ve got a really ugly plan that nobody much likes – Democrats don’t like it, Independents don’t like it, and the majority of Republicans don’t like it, you’ve got to find a way to ram it through, with nobody seeing it until it’s too late. 
    So what are they really doing with all those cuts? What is that chainsaw really about? Why shut down these departments? Why take down money that we invest in pediatric cancer research? I’ll tell you what it’s really for. What the Republicans in Congress and Donald Trump and Elon Musk are trying to do is they want to have a $4.7 trillion giveaway to a handful of billionaires and billionaire corporations, paid for on the backs of seniors, veterans, public workers, little kids, and we are here to say no to them. No.  
    So this is really important: the next time you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, the next time you’re thinking, “I’m not sure I’m following this next piece,” stop and say to yourself, “Oh wait, that is the plan. That is the plan. And we are the people who are fighting back.”  
    Here’s why I’m here tonight: I want to tell you three things I’m doing – and you know I come with an ask – I’m going to ask you to do three things, and then we’re going to do some questions, I want to hear from you, and want to talk about other things going on.  
    So what are we doing? What am I trying to do? I’ll tell you what I’m doing. I’m doubling down on the Constitution of the United States of America. 
    I’m putting my chips on the table and let’s just remember — Constitutional Law 101, three parts to government. It is the job of Congress to write the laws and enact the laws. That’s our job. It is the job of the administration to administer those laws, to carry them out faithfully. And it is the job of the courts to go after the administration and hold them accountable if they fail to follow the law.  
    So, Part One for me right now, for a whole lot of folks, is we’re taking Donald Trump and Elon Musk to court. Not once, not twice, we are in over a hundred lawsuits now. And they’re not through, because understand this: what Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing is illegal. They are violating the law. We’ve just got to say it right out loud. 
    And listen, for any of you who run into your buddies who may have voted for Donald Trump because they thought he was going to lower prices – they say, “Well, he got elected.” Yeah, he got elected, and Republicans control the House and the Senate. If they want to change the law, the Constitution tells us how to do it. You start in Congress, you write new laws, then the administration can administer those laws. But no unelected guy with a chainsaw gets to come out here and shut down agencies and fire people that are working on behalf of the American people. 
    So that’s Part One. We are in court. And the early decisions – look, they’re not all perfect, not every case is going to line up the right way, but it’s looking hopeful. The courts are doing what they should be doing. They’re calling people out who are not following the law. And the latest sign is it’s moving all the way up to Elon Musk by name. So Part One. 
    Alright, Part Two: job in Congress. Go back to what I was talking about earlier. All the noise, all the sand in the gears, all the terrible things they’re trying to do, underlying all that is trying to hand over our government to the billionaires, to a handful of billionaires and billionaire corporations. This is going to be the fight over taxes, and that may sound boring – it is not. It is fundamentally who this government works for. Donald Trump, Elon Musk, a handful of billionaires who stood up there on the podium when Donald Trump was sworn in, they say that the United States’ people, the people of this country, should give them $4.7 trillion in giveaways and make everyone else pay for it. Because that is their vision of America. An America that works even better for the billionaires and even worse for everyone else.  
    I am a Democrat, and what it means to be a Democrat is every one of those guys needs to pay their fair share and we need to invest in Americans. So this fight is the big fight, and this is the fight in front of us. This is the one coming up right away. So that’s going to be the second thing. We’re going to be in this fight everywhere we possibly can.      
    Part Three is I’m doing everything I can, along with others, to help raise a movement. Ultimately, we’ve got the courts, we’ve got Congress, but real power in this nation is the American people. Real power is here, right here in Lowell, Massachusetts. Real power are the people who continue to pay attention, the people who continue to reach out, the people who continue to make their voices heard. 
    That’s why so much of this fight is trying to get people just to give up. Trying to overwhelm them so they’ll just cover up their heads. Trying to say it’s all too complicated, trying to do it all with the emojis, and let’s do this, make fun of people, let’s try to take them down. Because they want you to give up. Because you are the true source of power. 
    So last week, I was not here in Massachusetts, I was in Texas. Bernie is in Iowa. Where was Tim Walz — we’ve got a bunch of people out — Wisconsin, that’s exactly right. But that’s the idea, we’ve got to raise it, we’ve got to raise it together. So those are three things that I’m working on, trying to get all of my friends in the Senate and friends everywhere to work on.
    But I’m here to ask you to be part of this as well. And here are my three asks for you: the first one is tell the stories. We build a grassroots movement one blade of grass at a time. And you can say cut federal employees and it may sound like cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. But when you talk about that you have a child in a pediatric cancer trial that is supported by federal dollars, and taking those federal dollars away can threaten that child’s life, that’s a story that everybody else in America needs to hear. 
    When you’re ready to talk about your neighbor down the street who is trying hard to be able to live independently — serious accident has got to have some home health care — and Elon Musk, the richest man on this planet, thinks that the way we save money is we tell that person, “You don’t get a home health aide, you have to move into a nursing home. That’s all that’s going to be available for you.” And then turns around it says to people who are in nursing homes, there’s not going to be enough support for you. I don’t know what the plan is there. We’re just going to set people out on the corners? Tell those stories. Tell them real. Tell them from your family, tell them from your neighbors, tell them from your cousins, but tell those stories. That’s number one. It is the best possible way to meet people where they are and get them to understand the importance of this fight. 
    Second part: do not underestimate the power of organization. Have I got some Indivisibles here? Power of organization. Any other groups that we’ve got in here? How about unions? Have we got anybody that works with unions? I don’t have to persuade you about the power of organization, right? 
    Organization, but I mean this in every way you can magnify your voice. You got a Facebook group? That’s organization. You got a bunch of friends you went to school with 22 years ago and you still keep in touch? That’s organization. And if some of them don’t live in Massachusetts, that’s even better organization, because this is how we keep moving these stories out. We’re going to push these stories out the door. And organizing keeps us going. So that’s the second part. One voice is loud, but two voices are more than twice as loud, so lots of organization. 
    Third point: take care of yourself. We’ve got to do some self-care and some care for each other. So there’s a reason on the airplane that they always do the little thing about adjust your own mask before trying to help anyone else. You’ve got to keep breathing oxygen.
    You’ve got to stay in this fight. And there are a lot of ways that we can do this, each of us will find our own. I have a very large golden retriever. He might be a little too large. Bruce, however, always just describes him as he’s large-boned. He does like spaghetti, though. Patting a Golden Retriever is part of health. 
    I do a lot of self care in this, and I want to say this for all of you, it also fits with the point about telling stories and organization. If you’ve got more people in the fight with you. You’ve got more people to keep you going when you’re kind of in the down part of this to remind you of the good parts. 
    We have a rule in our office, and that is when anything good happens – and I get it, kind of few and far between sometimes – but when something good happens, when we get a good court decision that comes down, when we see an agency where somebody stands up and says, “Well, I’m just going to have to fire me then, because I’m not leaving without you.” We pass that around and we all stop and feel good about it for a minute, reminding each other that we are in this fight together. 
    So three things I’m working on, three things I’m asking you to work on, because now we get down to the bottom part of this, and that is: this is hard. I never thought our nation would face something like this. An unelected billionaire with a chainsaw is making decisions to get rid of thousands of people that we count on every day to keep this country going.
    I never thought I would be at a time when a President of the United States would be saying, “Yeah, recession, it worked out fine.” I never thought I would be in a place where the Republicans in Congress would be so spineless. But despite all of that, despite what we are up against, despite it all, I am fundamentally optimistic and I am optimistic for this reason. I know what it means to fight a righteous fight.
    This is a righteous fight, and we are in this together. There is no one I would rather fight alongside, but the good people of Lowell, Massachusetts, of all of Massachusetts, and of the United States of America.
    Thank you. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Multi-Year “Operation Fox Hunt” Repatriation Campaign Directed by the People’s Republic of China Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Repeatedly Harassed U.S. Resident and His Family to Coerce Repatriation to the PRC

    BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, defendant Quanzhong An was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 20 months in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”), for his participation in a scheme to cause the coerced repatriation of a U.S. resident (the “U.S. Resident”) to the PRC as part of its international extralegal repatriation effort known as “Operation Fox Hunt.”  In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Matsumoto ordered An to pay a financial penalty of approximately $5 million, including approximately $1.3 million in restitution to the U.S. Resident and his family, as well as a $50,000 fine.  An pleaded guilty in May 2024 and was charged in October 2022.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Sue Bai, Supervisory Official and head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (“FBI”) announced the sentences.

    “Quanzhong An acted at the direction of the PRC government to harass and intimidate individuals living on U.S. soil as part of a pernicious scheme to force their repatriation to the PRC,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Thanks to our collective efforts, the scheme failed, and the defendant has been brought to justice.  Our Office remains steadfast in its efforts to protect both U.S. national security interests and individuals living in our District from transnational repression schemes perpetrated by hostile foreign powers.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations for its work on the case.

    “For years, Quanzhong An threatened, harassed, and attempted to intimidate a U.S. resident and his family at the behest of the People’s Republic of China, with the ultimate goal of strong-arming the individual into leaving the United States and returning to China to face an unknown fate.  Today’s sentencing represents justice for this victim and his family, and demonstrates to others that the FBI is committed to protecting all victims of transnational repression,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Backschies.  “Threats, harassment, and intimidation – whether perpetrated by individuals or nation states – will not be tolerated in this country, and the FBI will continue to lead the charge to protect all individuals who are threatened and harassed on U.S. soil.”

    As set forth in the government’s sentencing memoranda and other court filings, An was a leading member of an international campaign to threaten, harass, and intimidate the U.S. Resident and his family members, with the goal of coercing the U.S. Resident to repatriate to the PRC.  An participated in the multi-year scheme to elevate his status within the PRC government as a means of furthering his own economic interests.

    An’s involvement in the repatriation scheme began in 2017, when he attempted to locate the U.S. Resident by visiting the home of the U.S. Resident’s adult son, without notice or invitation.  The following year, An sent his daughter, as well as two PRC government officials, to the home of the U.S. Resident’s son.  An subsequently met with the U.S. Resident’s son on numerous occasions, during which time An served as a mouthpiece for the PRC by conveying threatening messages on behalf of the PRC government.  For example, An said he did not want to pronounce “ruthless words” from the PRC government but stated that PRC officials would “keep pestering [the U.S. Resident’s son], [and] make [his] daily life uncomfortable” if the son was unable to convince his father to repatriate to the PRC.  An’s harassment continued unabated from 2017 until his arrest in 2022.  An’s conduct intimidated individuals living in the United States and their loved ones in the PRC – just as it was intended to do – for the benefit of the PRC government.

    At sentencing, Judge Matsumoto considered that An participated in additional criminal conduct.  Specifically, he perpetrated a bank fraud and money laundering scheme to defraud U.S. financial institutions so that he could enjoy continued access to U.S.-based bank accounts.  As part of this scheme, he moved millions of dollars from the PRC into the United States, deliberately deceiving U.S. financial institutions regarding the source and purpose of the funds.

    The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States.  If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States  Attorneys Alexander Solomon, Meredith A. Arfa, and Antoinette N. Rangel are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.  Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters and Assistant United States Attorneys Madeline O’Connor and Daniel Saavedra of the Office’s Financial Litigation Program are assisting with restitution matters.

    The Defendant:

    QUANZHONG AN
    Age: 58
    Roslyn Heights, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-460 (KAM)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rock on – Beach Hop 2025

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    The journey to Whangamatā for Beach Hop this year should be smooth cruising with the majority of road maintenance works completed in the Coromandel. The event starts on Wednesday 26 March finishing up in Whangamatā on Sunday 30 March.

    “Any ongoing work will be paused on the cruise route for Beach Hop week to minimise disruption,” says Andrew Brosnan, Journey Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) in the Waikato. 

    “Motorists can expect the roads to be busy with people heading to the event, and while the network has improved, there is still some ongoing work to repair damage caused by the extreme weather events of early 2023.

    “Slow down, be patient and allow additional time for your journeys,” says Mr Brosnan. 

    “We wish Coromandel businesses, locals and visitors a very enjoyable Beach Hop and thank you all for your patience while we continue to improve the state highways in the region.” 

    For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, motorists are encouraged to visit the NZTA Journey Planner website before leaving home.

    journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – NZ dairy linked to deforestation inside Attenborough orangutan documentary wildlife reserve – Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace Aotearoa says that New Zealand dairy has been linked to deforestation inside the wildlife reserve featured in David Attenborough’s orangutan documentary, Secret Lives of Orangutans.
    The organisation says that it is deeply concerned by news that two companies exporting to New Zealand have been sourcing palm kernel from a mill known to be buying products grown illegally inside the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve as recently as September 2024.
    The reserve is home to highly endangered species including Sumatran tigers and orangutans.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says, “The Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot and the last refuge of the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan. It’s a disgrace that New Zealand dairy has any part in its destruction.”
    “Every year, the New Zealand dairy industry, led by Fonterra spends millions of dollars on palm kernel that comes from the destruction of once thriving rainforests.”
    New Zealand is the world’s biggest importer of palm kernel, importing nearly 2 million tonnes every year from Southeast Asia. Palm kernel is used as a supplementary feed for dairy cattle.
    A 2024 investigation by Rainforest Action Network found that there are 653 hectares of illegal oil palm plantations operating in the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve, 453 hectares of which are productive, meaning that illegal palm oil and palm kernel from these plantations is already being sold.
    Between 2023-2024, Apical and Musim Mas, two major palm kernel expeller (PKE) exporters to New Zealand, purchased palm kernel from PT. Global Sawit Semesta, a mill known to have traded palm products grown within the wildlife reserve.
    “New Zealand dairy is marketed as clean, green and grass-fed, but this is just simply not true. Fonterra’s own grass-fed standard allows for its cows’ diets to be made up of 20% palm kernel,” says Deighton-O’Flynn.
    “Fonterra’s butter and milk powder is contaminated with this blood-soaked animal feed and its executives are ignoring the severity of the issue.”
    “Fonterra has tried to avoid accountability on illegal palm kernel in its supply chain, by claiming that its suppliers have “no deforestation, no peat and no exploitation” policies, but it is abundantly clear that these policies aren’t working. The rainforest is still being destroyed at an alarming rate,” says Deighton-O’Flynn.
    “Palm kernel supply chains are incredibly murky. It is virtually impossible for Fonterra to guarantee that its supply chains are not linked to rainforest destruction, so Greenpeace is calling on Fonterra to completely phase out the use of palm kernel on all of its farms.”
    “New Zealanders should not have to worry about whether the butter they’re spreading on their toast is tainted by the killing of orangutans in Southeast Asia.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds Feeding Our Future Mastermind and Co-Defendant Guilty in $250 Million Pandemic Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – Two individuals have been convicted by a federal jury for their roles in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    “Aimee Bock and Salim Said took advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to carry out a massive fraud scheme that stole money meant to feed children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.  “The defendants falsely claimed to have served 91 million meals, for which they fraudulently received nearly $250 million in federal funds.  That money did not go to feed kids.  Instead, it was used to fund their lavish lifestyles. Today’s verdict sends a message to the community that fraud against the government will not be tolerated.”

    “Stealing from the federal government is stealing from the American people – plain and simple. The egregious fraud uncovered in the Feeding our Future case represents the blatant betrayal of public trust. These criminals stole hundreds of millions in federal funding meant to feed hungry children during a crisis and instead funneled it into luxury homes, cars and lavish lifestyles while families struggled,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The FBI will not allow criminals to rob federal programs and walk away unscathed. We will expose their schemes, dismantle their networks, and ensure they face the full weight of justice.”

    “Aimee Bock, Salim Said, and others took advantage of a global pandemic to rob food programs, aimed at serving those in need, of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars during a time when so many people were struggling,” said Ramsey Covington, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Instead of overseeing the distribution of meals to low-income children, Bock’s organization enabled meal site operators to commit fraud. This verdict is the product of dedicated investigators and prosecutors to bring accountability to those who brazenly stole from the American public. IRS Criminal Investigation is deeply committed to working with our partner agencies to combat these types of fraud schemes and ensure our American tax dollars serve their intended purpose.”

    “Today’s verdict reaffirms how critical a role the U.S. Postal Inspection Service plays in protecting the American consumer from these types of fraudulent schemes and in ensuring that the nation’s U.S. mail stream is not used by criminals to prey upon our citizens and programs intended to aid those in need during difficult times.  The bold egregious nature in which these fraudsters victimized our children and programs intended to feed them during a world-wide pandemic illustrates their callous disregard for human decency and overall greed,” Bryan Musgrove, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division stated. “This investigation is a tremendous example of how the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our FBI law enforcement partners can work side by side in an effort to bring these fraudsters to justice.”

    Historically, the Federal Child Nutrition provided meals to children in school-based programs or activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waived some of the standard requirements for participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Among other things, the USDA allowed for-profit restaurants to participate in the program, as well as allowed for off-site food distribution to children outside of educational programs. 
    As proven at trial, Aimee Bock, 44, was the founder and executive director of Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit organization that was a sponsor participating in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Salim Said, 36, former co-owner of Safari Restaurant, was jointly tried with Bock. Together, they oversaw a massive fraud scheme carried out by sites under Feeding Our Future’s sponsorship. 

    As proven at trial, Feeding Our Future employees recruited individuals and entities to open Federal Child Nutrition Program sites throughout the state of Minnesota. These sites, created and operated by Bock, Said, and others, fraudulently claimed to be serving meals to thousands of children a day within just days or weeks of being formed. Bock and Said created and submitted false documentation, including fraudulent meal counts consisting of fake attendance rosters purporting to list the names and ages of the children receiving meals at the sites each day. Feeding Our Future submitted these fraudulent claims to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and then disbursed the fraudulently obtained Federal Child Nutrition Program funds to their co-conspirators involved in the scheme.

    To accomplish their scheme, Bock and Said created dozens of shell companies to enroll in the program as food program sites, and to receive and launder the proceeds of their fraudulent scheme. In exchange for sponsoring these sites’ fraudulent participation in the program, Feeding Our Future received more than $18 million in administrative fees to which it was not entitled. In addition to the administrative fees, Feeding Our Future employees solicited and received bribes and kickbacks from individuals and companies sponsored by Feeding Our Future. Many of these kickbacks were paid in cash or disguised as “consulting fees” paid to shell companies created by Feeding Our Future employees to make them appear legitimate.

    As proven at trial, Said’s Safari Restaurant reported approximately $600,000 in annual revenue in each of the three years prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, Safari Restaurant enrolled in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. By July 2020, Said claimed to be serving meals to 5,000 children per day, seven days a week. In total, Said claimed to have served over 3.9 million meals to children from the Safari Restaurant food site between April 2020 and November 2021. Said also claimed that Safari Restaurant provided more than 2.2 million meals to other food sites involved in Feeding Our Future’s fraud scheme.

    In total, Feeding Our Future opened more than 250 Federal Child Nutrition Program sites throughout the state of Minnesota, and in doing so, went from receiving and disbursing approximately $3.4 million in federal funds in 2019 to nearly $200 million in 2021. Throughout the course of their scheme, Feeding Our Future fraudulently obtained and disbursed more than $240 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. The defendants used the proceeds of their fraudulent scheme to purchase luxury vehicles, residential and commercial real estate in Minnesota as well as property in Ohio and Kentucky, real estate in Kenya and Turkey, and to fund international travel.

    After a six-week trial, Bock was convicted on four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of bribery, and one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery. Said was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, eight counts of bribery, one count conspiracy to commit money laundering and five counts of money laundering. 

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson, Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Budget Delivers More Access to Mental Health and Addictions Services

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 19, 2025

    A record investment of $623.8 million in the 2025-26 Budget supports mental health and addictions services with a $52.8 million, or 9.2 per cent, increase from 2024-25. This budget delivers on critical supports and investments, making services more accessible to individuals, improving coordination of care, getting people the treatment they need in a timely manner and transitioning to a recovery-oriented system of care.

    Of the overall Health budget, 7.7 per cent is directed to fund mental health and addictions initiatives with $486.7 million dedicated to mental health and $137.1 million for addictions. A new targeted funding increase of $20.1 million will expand access to mental health and addictions services and care for Saskatchewan people.

    An investment of $15.8 million will deliver on the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to add 500 addictions treatment spaces across Saskatchewan – double the amount now available in the province. Currently, 221 addictions treatment spaces are operational, with plans to have up to 400 of the 500 dedicated spaces ready by the end of 2025-26. 

    “We will build on the success of our Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan by supporting hundreds of newly established physical and virtual addictions treatment and recovery spaces in seven communities stretching from Estevan to Pinehouse,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said. “This year, we will unveil expansion plans to ensure Saskatchewan residents can access these services when and where they need them to overcome addiction and live healthy lives.”

    A further $4.3 million in new, targeted funding will: 

    • Increase access to addictions medicine across the province by implementing a new Virtual Access to Addictions Medicine (VAAM) Program and adding supports for the existing Opioid Agonist Therapy Program in the province;
    • Support the development of a central intake and navigation system that patients can contact directly to self-refer for treatment; 
    • Fully fund the HOMEBASE Integrated Youth Services Site and open the final site at Sturgeon Lake First Nation;
    • Fund two additional five-bed homes for youth with chronic mental health and addictions issues;
    • Facilitate the transition to a recovery-oriented system of care model, which provides an improved focus on treatment and recovery; and
    • Increase funding for the Bridgepoint Centre for Eating Disorder Recovery.

    The 2025-26 Budget will provide $6.0 million in new capital funding for expansion of Complex Needs Emergency Shelters (CNES) in new communities. There are currently two 15-bed CNES pilot projects in Regina and Saskatoon that provide individuals in crisis with a safe place to stabilize while being monitored for the negative effects of drugs or alcohol.

    “These shelters have proven to be effective in protecting and supporting individuals who are intoxicated and presenting as a danger to themselves or others,” Carr said. “These facilities keep the individual in crisis safe and help transition them to support services and programs. We are exploring other potential locations that are best served by these facilities, as several Saskatchewan communities are interested in creating a Complex Needs Emergency Shelter to help individuals struggling with addictions and in need of these interventions.”

    The remaining $27.0 million is for increased utilization of hospital-based services, physician visits and prescription drug costs.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: 2025-26 Budget: Delivering For You

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 19, 2025

    Saskatchewan’s 2025-26 Provincial Budget is delivering for the people of Saskatchewan.

    Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter tabled a budget today that delivers on the priorities of Saskatchewan people – affordability, health care, education, safer communities and responsible financial management – while addressing the challenges of a growing province.

    “We understand this budget is being delivered at a very volatile time, due to the constantly changing tariff threats from the United States,” Reiter said. “Right now, we do not know what tariffs the U.S. may impose or how long they may last. As a result, it was not possible to build the exact impact of tariffs into the budget.

    “However, we are not letting the tariff threat prevent us from following through on our commitments to the people of Saskatchewan. Our strong financial position means we are well-positioned to weather the impact of any tariffs that may be imposed on Canada and Saskatchewan.”

    As a signal of strong financial management, the Government of Saskatchewan is delivering a balanced budget in 2025-26, with a surplus of $12 million.

    Affordability

    In the 2025-26 Budget, the Government of Saskatchewan continues to take action to ensure the province remains the most affordable place in Canada to live, work, raise a family and start a business.

    The budget reduces income taxes for every resident, family and small business in the province. It also helps make life more affordable for seniors, families with children, persons with disabilities, caregivers, new graduates, first-time homebuyers and people renovating their homes.

    The taxation changes introduced in the 2025-26 Budget, including the initiatives in The Saskatchewan Affordability Act, provide over $250 million in tax savings this year. This is in addition to the more than $2 billion in affordability measures in each and every budget.

    The affordability measures in the 2025-26 Budget include those that help make life more affordable and those that support our growing province. Among the measures are:

    • Raising the basic personal exemption, spousal and equivalent-to-spousal exemption, dependent child exemption and the seniors supplement by $500 a year, for the next four years – over and above the impact of indexation – for the largest personal income tax reduction in the province since 2008;
    • Increasing monthly income assistance benefits by two per cent for Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured income for Disability (SAID) clients;
    • Increasing the Disability Tax Credit and Caregiver Tax Credit by 25 per cent;
    • Doubling the Active Families Benefit refundable tax credit from $150 to $300 per child and doubling the income threshold to qualify to $120,000 to make children’s sports, arts, cultural and recreational activities more affordable for more Saskatchewan families;
    • Reinstating the Home Renovation Tax Credit, which will allow homeowners to save up to $420 annually in home renovation expenses, while seniors undertaking home renovations can save up to $525; 
    • Increasing the Graduate Retention Program benefit by 20 per cent to a maximum of $24,000; and
    • Permanently maintaining the small business tax rate at one per cent, benefiting more than 35,000 small businesses in Saskatchewan and saving them over $50 million in corporate income taxes annually.

    Property owners will also receive relief in this year’s budget. All education property tax mill rates will be reduced to absorb the increase in property assessment values and ensure this assessment year is revenue neutral for the province in each property class. This change will save property owners in the province more than $100 million annually.

    This is in addition to the Government of Saskatchewan extending the carbon tax exemption on home heating, which is expected to save the average Saskatchewan family approximately $480 in 2025.

    Health Care

    The 2025-26 Budget delivers better patient access and safer, more responsive care for Saskatchewan residents.

    Over the last two years, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested $15.7 billion in health care in the province. In the 2025-26 Budget:

    • The Ministry of Health receives a record $8.1 billion, an increase of $485 million, or 6.4 per cent;
    • The Saskatchewan Health Authority receives an increase of $261 million, or 5.6 per cent, for a record $4.9 billion budget; and
    • The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency receives $279 million, an increase of $30 million, or 12.2 per cent.

    This funding will provide better access to acute care programs and services to improve patient outcomes, such as:

    • Reducing surgical wait times as part of an ambitious plan to perform 450,000 procedures over four years; and
    • Realigning services at Saskatoon City Hospital to address inpatient capacity pressures by opening more than 100 beds.

    Mental health and addictions programs and services receive $624 million – 7.7 per cent of the overall Health budget – to deliver critical support and investments in Saskatchewan, including an increase of $20 million for targeted initiatives. This includes continued progress on the multi-year Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, and expanded access to mental health and addictions services and care by delivering on the commitment to add 500 addictions treatment spaces across the province, doubling the public health system’s capacity.

    To ensure the professionals are in place to provide health care services, this year’s budget accelerates the hiring of health care professionals through the Health Human Resources Action Plan.

    The 25-26 Budget also invests in steady and significant progress on multiple infrastructure projects.

    Due to the positive response to the Regina Urgent Care Centre, planning is underway for additional urgent care centres in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and North Battleford, as well as second urgent care centres in Regina and Saskatoon. 

    The budget also provides new capital funding for the expansion of Complex Needs Emergency Shelters in new communities, building on the pilot projects in Regina and Saskatoon. 

    Overall, health capital funding will increase by $140 million, for a total of $657 million – the highest ever capital budget to deliver major health infrastructure projects.

    Education

    Kindergarten to Grade 12

    The 2025-26 Budget delivers increased opportunities and supports for kindergarten to Grade 12 students, parents and teachers across Saskatchewan. 

    Over the last two years, more than $5 billion has been invested in kindergarten to Grade 12 education. In this year’s budget, the Ministry of Education receives $3.5 billion, an increase of $184 million, or 5.5 per cent, over the previous year. That includes an increase of $186 million, or 8.4 per cent, in school operating funding for a total of $2.4 billion.

    The 2025-26 Budget also includes an increase of $130 million to fund the new teacher collective agreement and address growing student enrollment and the challenges facing today’s classrooms. 

    Building on the success of last year’s pilot project in eight Saskatchewan schools, the budget provides funding for 50 additional specialized support classrooms throughout the province. The specialized classrooms help reduce interruptions by providing additional supports to students who need them. 

    Student literacy is another area of emphasis in the 2025-26 Budget. Learning to read is one of the most valuable skills developed during childhood and sets the foundation for lifelong academic success. For this reason, this year’s budget provides additional funding to improve kindergarten to Grade 3 reading levels in Saskatchewan.

    The budget delivers on the challenges of student enrolment growth by investing in new schools with a $191 million school capital budget. This includes ongoing funding for the 21 new or consolidated schools and three major renovations underway across Saskatchewan, as well as funding to begin planning for one new replacement school and preplanning for four new schools in the Saskatoon area.

    Post-Secondary

    The 2025-26 Budget also supports students as they advance into post-secondary education. It provides opportunities that will allow students to pursue post-secondary education close to home while focusing on programs that meet the needs of Saskatchewan’s labour force and provincial economy.

    The Ministry of Advanced Education receives $788 million in this year’s budget, with $1.6 billion invested in post-secondary education over the past two years. As part of their budget, universities, technical schools, Indigenous institutions and regional colleges will receive $718 million in operating and capital funding.

    Health care training is a key priority as part of the province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan. New and expanded programs will help build a stronger health care workforce to meet the needs of Saskatchewan residents, including training seats in areas of critical need. This includes supporting:

    • 60 new training seats this year – more than 900 training seats overall – for nurse practitioners, registered psychiatric nurses and medical radiologic technologists; and
    • Four new training programs that will be ready to accept students in fall 2025 (physician assistant) and fall 2026 (speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy).

    The 2025-26 Budget also delivers work on strategies to address veterinary services in rural and urban communities. This includes working toward an expansion of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in the future.

    To help ensure predictable and stable funding for the province’s post-secondary institutions, the 2025-26 Budget extends the current multi-year funding agreement for an additional year. The extension will allow government and post-secondary institutions time to work through the potential impacts of the federal government’s reduction of foreign student visas, before engaging in another multi-year funding agreement.

    Community Safety

    The 2025-26 Budget delivers safer communities across the province by enhancing the presence of law enforcement in Saskatchewan. 

    Over the last two years, $2 billion has been invested into community safety. For the upcoming fiscal year, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety will receive $798 million, including $119 million for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, while the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General will receive $271 million.

    Increases to the Municipal Police Grant Program will help frontline officers respond to more calls for service, while increased funding for the RCMP will support operations in the province and the RCMP First Nations Policing Program. The budget also includes funding for previous commitments for approximately 100 new municipal police officers, 14 new Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods personnel and funding for the Saskatchewan Police College to train more officers in the province.

    This enhanced law enforcement presence extends to the border with the United States. The Saskatchewan Border Security Plan was introduced in January 2025 to mobilize Provincial Protective Services officers to work in partnership with provincial policing services and federal agencies to boost law enforcement near the border.

    To complement the increased presence of law enforcement personnel, the 2025-26 Budget includes funding to improve safety for correctional staff, offenders and the public, as well as address capacity concerns at correctional facilities. 

    Additional investments will be made in interpersonal violence programs and services, including second-stage housing. The budget also delivers funding to create a more accessible court system for municipal bylaw offences and ensuring cases are complete and ready to move to trial more quickly. 

    Delivering More For You

    The 2025-26 Budget delivers on the priorities of affordability, health care, education, community safety and fiscal responsibility. However, it delivers more than that. Some of the other important initiatives in this year’s budget include:

    • A record $362 million in municipal revenue sharing, an increase of $22 million, or 6.3 per cent, from 2024-25.
    • New funding to start multi-year repair and renovation projects for 285 Saskatchewan Housing Corporation-owned units in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.
    • Funding for expanded homelessness services developed through the Provincial Approach to Homelessness. This includes investments in the Rental Development Program to partner with third-party organizations to develop new supportive housing units for people who need additional support to live independently.
    • Over the past two years, funding from the Ministry of Social Services has created 120 new emergency shelter spaces, 155 new supportive housing spaces, new street outreach services and an expanded income assistance mobile workforce serving clients on-site at more than 30 community-based organization locations.
    • A grant to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan to fulfill the Government of Saskatchewan’s two-year commitment to help families and food banks with high food costs.
    • A $20 million increase across government in funding for community-based organizations.
    • The creation of a new Saskatchewan Young Entrepreneur Bursary, which is an annual grant of $285,000 for a maximum of 57 bursaries distributed to support youth entrepreneurship in the province.
    • The creation of a new Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit, a 45 per cent non-refundable tax credit for individuals or corporations that invest in the equity of an eligible Saskatchewan small and medium size enterprise.
    • Introduction of the Low Productivity and Reactivation Oil Well Program to encourage industry to make new capital investments in low-producing and inactive horizontal oil wells.
    • Investment in capital projects that will improve our provincial transportation system, including:
      • Passing lanes for Highway 10 between Fort Qu’Appelle and Melville, and Highway 17 north of Lloydminster;
      • Highway 39 twinning at Weyburn; 
      • Ongoing corridor improvements on Highway 5 east of Saskatoon; and 
      • Improvements of more than 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways.

    Fiscal Responsibility

    The surplus forecast for the 2025-26 Budget leaves Saskatchewan in one of the strongest financial positions among provinces.

    The surplus is driven by forecast revenues of $21.1 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion, or 6 per cent, compared to last year. Total expense is projected to be $21.0 billion, which is an increase of $909 million, or 4.5 per cent, from the 2024-25 Budget.

    Non-Renewable Resources revenue accounts for 12.8 per cent of total expense in this year’s budget. 

    Another sign of Saskatchewan’s strong financial position is the province’s net debt position, which remains the second lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio among Canadian provinces at 14.6 per cent. 

    The Government of Saskatchewan’s prudent financial management is also reflected in the province’s credit ratings. Saskatchewan currently maintains the second-best credit rating among the provinces when the ratings from the three major agencies – Moody’s Investors Service, Morningstar DBRS and S&P Global – are considered.

    Saskatchewan’s strong financial position in this year’s budget is buoyed by the provincial economy’s solid performance in 2024. Building upon this momentum, the Saskatchewan economy is expected to continue to grow in 2025 with real GDP projected to grow by 1.8 per cent according to the average private-sector forecast. 

    For more information on the 2025-26 Provincial Budget, please review the budget materials and ministry news releases on saskatchewan.ca/budget. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Innovation Saskatchewan Delivering Research Infrastructure to Strengthen Global Leadership

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 19, 2025

    Innovation Saskatchewan, the provincial government’s innovation agency, is investing in research infrastructure to support Saskatchewan’s world-class research community.

    The 2025-26 Budget includes a $3.0 million commitment to the Canadian Light Source (CLS) and an additional $4.1 million commitment to the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) for enhancements to equipment and infrastructure.

    These targeted investments will strengthen existing facilities foundational to the province’s research landscape, making it easier for innovators to develop ideas in Saskatchewan, attract and retain top talent and share high-demand solutions with the world.

    “Saskatchewan is a global leader in cutting-edge research and technological innovation,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding said. “By investing in the province’s world-class research community, we are accelerating made-in-Saskatchewan solutions to global challenges, creating jobs and driving economic growth to achieve our 2030 Growth Plan goals.”

    A cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s research leadership is its network of world-class research centres, including CLS, a major international research facility home to Canada’s only synchrotron and one of the most advanced in the world, and VIDO, a global leader in infectious disease and vaccine research for over half a century.

    The additional $3.0 million for CLS matches federal funding to add new state-of-the-art equipment essential to continuing reliable and sustainable operations. The funding ensures CLS will remain at the forefront of research innovation and enhance its ability to advance scientific discovery.

    The additional $4.1 million commitment for VIDO builds on Innovation Saskatchewan’s $15.0 million commitment in 2021 to expand capabilities for the organization to become Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research. This includes upgrading facilities to containment Level 4 standards – the highest level possible. Once completed, VIDO will be Canada’s only non-governmental facility capable of handling the world’s most dangerous pathogens, elevating Saskatchewan’s role in global health security.

    “For decades, Saskatchewan has strategically built a dynamic research ecosystem and CLS and VIDO are central to that vision,” Innovation Saskatchewan CEO Kari Harvey said. “Strengthening our commitments will broaden our impact, securing our province’s future and cementing our reputation as a global research leader.”

    In addition to the 2025-26 research investment, Innovation Saskatchewan continues planning for the redevelopment of the Galleria, the flagship building at its Innovation Place research and technology park in Saskatoon. The west wing is being transformed into a multi-tenant space for scaling companies – particularly those in agtech and other key sector industries – with integrated laboratories, pilot plant space and other specialized infrastructure to support Saskatchewan’s growing technology sector.    

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: 2025-26 Health Budget Delivers Record Funding for Better Patient Access, More Responsive Care

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 19, 2025

    The 2025-26 Budget delivers on key health care commitments including better access to acute and emergency care, team-based primary care and continuing care services. This year’s budget also supports progress on the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, accelerates health care workforce hiring and continues building on future infrastructure projects, including new hospitals, long-term care homes and additional urgent care centres. 

    The record Ministry of Health budget is $8.07 billion, an increase of $484.6 million, or 6.4 per cent, over the previous year. The Saskatchewan Health Authority will receive a $261.1 million increase, or 5.6 per cent, for a total record budget of $4.94 billion. 

    “This year’s budget delivers on key commitments to deliver more timely access to our health care system,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Our government will provide significant budget investments to increase access to acute care in Saskatoon, perform more surgeries, increase access to specialized diagnostic imaging and invest in programs that connect all Saskatchewan residents to a primary health care provider.

    “This budget also expands glucose monitoring coverage to vastly improve quality of life and ease financial impacts for nearly 10,000 Saskatchewan people with diabetes. We will open the highly anticipated Breast Health Centre in Regina to provide a full range of services and wraparound support for women experiencing a challenging diagnosis.”

    The 2025-26 Budget provides better access to acute health care services for safer, more responsive patient care with total investment increases of $88.1 million. 

    Plans to ramp up surgical volumes this year through a $15.1 million investment increase will kickstart ambitious plans to perform 450,000 procedures over four years and reduce surgical wait times. This investment will introduce the innovative robot-assisted surgery program at Pasqua Hospital in Regina and enhance other services to meet this aggressive four-year surgical target.

    Optimizing space and realigning services at Saskatoon City Hospital will help address capacity pressures in Saskatoon with a multi-phased approach to open more than 100 acute care beds. This $30.0 million investment will support physical space upgrades to expand acute care and convert outpatient and other spaces to inpatient units.

    Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will receive a $6.6 million increase for additional paramedics in the system and Diagnostic Imaging will receive a $6.0 million boost to increase specialized medical imaging volumes to continue gains made in patient wait times.

    Other 2025-26 acute care investment increases include: 

    • $7.6 million for enhanced and expanded pediatric care, including specialist recruitment in areas of endocrinology, rheumatology and other specialties. The budget will also support additional multidisciplinary staff and physicians in pediatric gastroenterology, allergy and immunology, and cardiology programs, as well as enhancements to physician staffing at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Prince Albert;
    • $6.6 million for HealthLine 811’s Virtual ER Physician Program to expand support to a minimum of 25 small-to-medium rural Emergency Department locations;
    • $4.3 million to bolster the province’s kidney health programs to better meet patient demand for hemodialysis services closer to home;
    • $2.0 million for enhanced laboratory medicine services; 
    • $1.9 million to complete and fully staff the new Breast Health Centre in Regina; and
    • $1.9 million to support operational costs for the Regina Urgent Care Centre. 

    “Rural and northern Saskatchewan receive important focus in this budget with extensive kidney health enhancements and staffing for satellite hemodialysis services in rural locations, including Meadow Lake, North Battleford, Tisdale and Fort Qu’Appelle,” Rural and Remote Minister Lori Carr said. “A virtual ER physician program demonstrating great success will expand to more rural communities at risk of service disruptions this year, and increases to EMS will improve response times and stabilize services across the province.” 

    The 2025-26 Budget will deliver better and more prompt patient access to team-based primary care settings and preventative care initiatives to meet the health care needs of Saskatchewan people with a $42.4 million increased investment. 

    A $5.0 million increase will support primary care improvements, including the expansion of a new model of care called Patient Medical Homes to new communities following a successful pilot in Swift Current that demonstrated better access to primary care for patients. 

    In addition, a $7.1 million increase is provided for immunizations and program enhancements. Beginning April 1, 2025, nearly 10,000 Saskatchewan patients managing diabetes will benefit from a $23.0 million investment for a Glucose Monitoring Expansion Program for young adults aged 25-and-under and seniors aged 65-plus. 

    The 2025-26 Budget also includes new funding to support the transition to HPV self-screening for cervical cancer, make progress on a provincial lung cancer screening program, lower breast cancer screening eligibility to age 43 and support operations to add a second mobile mammography bus that will increase capacity for women in rural and northern Saskatchewan. 

    The 2025-26 Budget will further provincial commitments to accelerate the hiring and growth of the health care professional workforce in the third year of the ambitious, multi-year Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain employees.

    The College of Medicine will add 10 more in-province physician training seats for family medicine, anesthesia, plastic surgery and other specialties, for a total of 150 provincial seats, as part of a $7.4 million increase. 

    Supports for 65 new and enhanced permanent full-time nursing positions in 30 rural and northern locations across Saskatchewan for improved nursing stability and reduced reliance on contract nurses will receive a $4.9 million increase.

    In addition, this year’s budget includes an additional $94.6 million increase for physician services to support the province’s efforts to recruit and retain doctors, including funding for negotiated Saskatchewan Medical Association fee increases, increased utilization of services and additional physicians. 

    This year’s budget will continue building momentum on strategic investments and successful programming within the multi-year Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan to improve patient access to professionals and services, delivering the help and support needed to overcome mental health and addictions challenges. This budget provides new capital funding to expand Complex Needs Emergency Shelters into new communities.

    Saskatchewan residents will see steady and significant progress throughout the province on multiple infrastructure projects, such as new hospital builds and long-term care facilities, with a total record capital investment of $656.9 million, a $140.1 million increase over last year.

    Major infrastructure investments include:

    • $322.4 million for Prince Albert Victoria Hospital construction;
    • $40.0 million for Regina Long-Term Care Specialized Beds construction;
    • $33.8 million for construction of the La Ronge Long-Term Care facility;
    • $24.4 million for Weyburn General Hospital construction; 
    • $10.0 million for Grenfell Long-Term Care project construction; and
    • $3.0 million to advance the Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre (UCC), in partnership with Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments.

    Due to the success of Regina’s UCC model in reducing emergency room pressures and providing access to thousands of patients, planning is underway for additional UCCs in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and North Battleford, as well as second UCCs in Regina and Saskatoon. 

    Additional funding will continue to support ongoing projects, including the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Rosthern Hospital, Royal University Hospital’s ICU Expansion, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s (SCA) Saskatoon Patient Lodge, Esterhazy Integrated Care Facility and long-term care projects in several communities including Regina, the Battlefords, Watson and Estevan.

    Other capital investments include leading-edge and upgraded technology, equipment and innovations to shape the future of health care.

    The 2025-26 Budget will ensure Saskatchewan people receive strengthened continuing care support to remain at home and within their communities for as long as possible. A $7.1 million increase will fund care for all ages – from children with complex medical needs to seniors – to support individuals of all ages and patients in the most appropriate community setting.

    The SCA will continue to deliver access to world-class care with additional funding toward oncology drugs, therapies and treatment options. The SCA will see an increase of $30.4 million, or 12.2 per cent, for a total record budget of $279.3 million. 

    The 2025-26 Budget also delivers on the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to provide a Fertility Treatment Tax Credit to improve affordability for individuals and couples to access fertility treatments.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Busiest emergency departments in Australia slash ramping

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 19 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Health

    Some of the busiest emergency departments in Australia have seen significant reductions in hospital ramping, according to the latest Bureau of Health Information quarterly results.

    One of the key indicators of hospital ramping is the proportion of patients transferred from paramedics to ED staff within 30 minutes – also known as Transfer of Care (TOC).

    St George Hospital – which received over 82,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 25 percentage point improvement in transfer of patient from paramedic to ED staff in the December 2024 quarter compared with the same period the previous year.

    Blacktown Hospital – which received over 67,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 23.2 percentage point improvement.

    Campbelltown Hospital – which received over 92,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 9.3 percentage point improvement.

    Liverpool Hospital – which received over 90,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 7.2 percentage point improvement.

    These improvements come despite the health system recording the highest ever number of patients arriving to EDs by ambulance – almost 200,000 in a single quarter.

    The Minns Labor Government has invested half a billion dollars into ED relief, which includes:

    • $189 million in tax relief to incentivise GPs to maintain bulk-billing rates, meaning people with non-life-threatening conditions don’t need to present to the ED
    • $171.4 million to expand statewide virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED
    • $100 million to back in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients
    • $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours
    • $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times
    • $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed
    • $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identified patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

    Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “Relieving pressure on our emergency departments and ensuring people receive care in a timely manner have been top priorities of our government.

    “Such significant challenges have been met with a significant half-a-billion dollar investment in ED relief.

    “Today, I’m so pleased to see encouraging progress in our effort to reduce ramping.

    “But I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves, because there is still much more to do.

    “I do want to reiterate that people who present to hospitals with non-life-threatening conditions can still expect to wait long periods in the ED.

    “So if you do have a non-life-threatening condition, I strongly encourage you to phone HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where you can avoid an unnecessary wait in the ED, and receive care outside of the hospital including through urgent or virtual care services.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking and Finance – Further drops to ASB’s fixed mortgage rates

    Source: ASB

    ASB has today reduced several of its fixed home lending rates by up to 20 basis points, marking the bank’s fifth fixed rate mortgage drop in 2025. ASB is reducing its 6-month rate by 10 basis points from 5.89% to 5.79%, while the longer-term 4-and-5-year rates have dropped to 5.59% and 5.69% respectively.

    ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says “We’ve been consistent in our ambition to support New Zealanders on their home ownership journey with lower mortgage rates and today’s announcement is our fifth decrease to fixed mortgage rates this year. We’re seeing a growing number of customers splitting their mortgages across different terms to hedge their bets in the current climate, and we’re pleased to be able to offer a range of lending options to suit homeowners’ and homebuyers’ diverse needs.”  

    ASB has also lowered some of its term deposit rates by between 5 and 20 basis points.

    All rate decreases are effective immediately.

     

      Fixed home lending term

    Previous rate

    New rate

    Rate decrease

    6-month

    5.89%

    5.79%

    – 10 bps

    4-year

    5.79%

    5.59%

    – 20 bps

    5-year

    5.79%

    5.69%

    – 10 bps

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova held a meeting of the Presidential Commission on Veterans Affairs

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova held the first meeting of the Commission under the President of the Russian Federation on Veterans’ Affairs in its new composition. The members of the commission discussed the results of the implementation of measures to improve the socio-economic situation of veterans of the Great Patriotic War, as well as issues of informing participants in the special military operation about the support measures they are entitled to and the mechanisms for receiving them.

    “The President of the country declared 2025 the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. Today, the most important topic on the agenda is support for veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Those who, without sparing themselves, 80 years ago brought Victory closer, defended our country, their loved ones and their home. Historical memory and truth are our responsibility to future generations,” Tatyana Golikova emphasized.

    In accordance with the decree of the President, a one-time payment will be made to all those who fought for the Motherland on the anniversary of the Great Victory. Over 23 billion rubles have been allocated for these purposes; payments will be received by almost 332 thousand citizens. Preparations for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory are being carried out at all levels. The head of state has instructed federal and regional authorities to provide all possible assistance to veterans in resolving issues of their social protection. One of the priority tasks is to provide medical care, dispensary observation and drug provision to veterans of the Great Patriotic War.

    Much attention is paid to those who stood up to defend our country in the conditions of a special military operation. The government maintains a dialogue with the participants of the SVO on an ongoing basis, taking into account which additional decisions are made. Thus, a new section “Procedure for providing medical care to combat veterans” has been included in the program of state guarantees for free provision of medical care to citizens. Since January of this year, SVO participants have been undergoing medical rehabilitation and spa treatment in 12 rehabilitation centers of the Social Fund.

    A system of providing complexes of state services, services, measures of active employment policy, measures of state support, as well as mechanisms of interaction with employers has been formed on the basis of regional employment services. Monitoring of participants of the SVO and members of their families who applied to employment services for employment purposes has been organized, according to which more than 18.5 thousand participants of the SVO and members of their families applied to employment services, they were provided with more than 58 thousand services. In addition, training of SVO participants has been organized, and within the framework of the national project “Personnel” it is envisaged to reimburse part of the costs to the employer for equipping workplaces for employment of persons with disabilities.

    Other measures are also being taken. The government has issued a number of instructions aimed at informing participants of the SVO about the support measures they are entitled to and the mechanisms for receiving them in various areas – taxation, education, housing, medicine, rehabilitation, prosthetics and others. At the instruction of the head of state, a special section has been created on the Unified State Services Portal, which contains all the necessary information for SVO participants and their family members about existing support measures – from federal to municipal, and a search for measures depending on the life situation has been implemented.

    Following the meeting, Tatyana Golikova instructed the commission members to send proposals to the Russian Ministry of Labor for their compilation in order to formulate a work plan for the commission for 2025. In addition, she instructed:

    — The Ministry of Labor of Russia, together with the Social Fund of Russia and other government agencies, shall ensure control over the implementation of the lump-sum payment established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of January 15, 2025 No. 15 “On the lump-sum payment to certain categories of citizens of the Russian Federation in connection with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945”;

    — The highest executive bodies of the subjects are recommended to continue implementing measures to improve the socio-economic situation of veterans of the Great Patriotic War together with veteran, volunteer and public organizations, paying special attention to proactively resolving issues of material and living conditions, including citizens living in remote areas, and, if necessary, to provide additional targeted assistance and support measures to veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Also, together with medical organizations, within the framework of the powers established by federal legislation and the legislation of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, to ensure that veterans of the Great Patriotic War undergo medical examinations and dispensary observation on an ongoing basis, including by sending medical workers to the veteran’s home, organizing the delivery of the veteran to the medical organization and back using transport purchased within the framework of the national project “Demography” and regional programs for the modernization of primary health care;

    — In order to provide the most complete and timely information to participants of the SVO and their family members about the possibility of receiving social support measures and the conditions for their provision, the highest executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation shall update information on the Unified Portal about current regional measures of social support for participants of the SVO and their family members and the conditions for their provision (hereinafter referred to as on an ongoing basis upon updating or adoption of relevant regional acts) and ensure that participants of the SVO and their family members are informed about the possibility of receiving information about available social support measures on the Unified Portal;

    — The Russian Ministry of Health, together with the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, should work on the issue of expanding the information section of the Unified Portal in terms of filling it with information on the provision of medical care to participants in the SVO and their family members, including issues of providing psychological and psychotherapeutic care, medical rehabilitation and spa treatment;

    — The State Foundation “Defenders of the Fatherland” together with the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation shall submit to the commission proposals aimed at raising awareness among participants of the SVO and their family members on monitoring satisfaction with the completeness and quality of social support measures, assistance and services provided to them.

    At the next meeting of the commission, it is planned to consider issues related to the employment of SVO participants.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: ‘Dramatic escalation’ as bombardments intensify and displacement surges

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    Israeli bombardments continued across Gaza on Wednesday, killing hundreds more people – many of them women and children – and leaving widespread destruction in its wake, according to local authorities. 

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that leaflets were dropped over Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in the shattered-north, as well as eastern Khan Younis in the south, ordering residents once again to leave their homes.

    UN Special Advisers Virginia Gamba and Mô Bleeker warned of an alarming and potentially “irreversible” escalation as Israel intensifies pressure on Hamas to release hostages.

    “Thousands of people have already been displaced”, said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq briefing journalists in New York.

    No safe place to go

    As strikes continue following the collapse of the two-month ceasefire, families are scrambling to find shelter.

    In southern Gaza, UN humanitarian partners reported that many have fled from east to west Khan Younis, seeking shelter with relatives or in open areas.

    In Rafah, growing numbers of displaced people are moving back toward the Mawasi area and other locations along the coast, while in the north, those escaping Beit Hanoun have sought safety in UNRWA-run schools in western Gaza City or in Beit Lahiya.

    Meanwhile, OCHA warned that Israeli military operations are expanding into new areas.

    On Wednesday morning, “Israeli forces raided Ein Beit el Ma refugee camp in Nablus, ordering five families to vacate their homes, which were turned into military zones,” said Mr. Haq.

    The families were told not to return for three days. Fearing an extended operation in the camp, about 45 additional families have pre-emptively fled, he added.

    The blockade continues

    The closure of crossings into Gaza – now in its 18th day – is “severely disrupting relief operations and worsening an already catastrophic situation,” noted Mr. Haq.  

    Humanitarian organizations warned that food, potable water, clothing and blankets are in critically short supply.

    UN partners working in food security reported that food distributions have been disrupted due to the deteriorating security situation and the proximity of distribution points to evacuation zones.

    Around 30 community kitchens providing cooked meals were forced to shut down on Tuesday, and those in east Khan Younis and North Gaza remained closed on Wednesday.

    Education has also been affected, with learning activities in 163 temporary learning spaces suspended, leaving thousands of students without access to education.

    Soundcloud

    Immediate steps

    With conditions in Gaza deteriorating by the hour, UN officials are urging all parties to take immediate steps to protect civilians, halt the violence, and work toward a political solution.

    “It is essential that the mutual imperatives of the peace process, integrating aspects of prevention and protection are prioritised urgently,” Mr. Dujarric emphasised.

    Without urgent intervention, officials warn that the humanitarian crisis will only deepen, with devastating consequences for those caught in the crossfire. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: InternetNZ – Desire for flexibility remains amid fall in number of remote workers

    Source: InternetNZ

    Nearly half of New Zealanders who have the option to work from home would like to do so more, however the actual number of people working remotely is decreasing. This is according to the latest Internet Insights annual survey conducted by InternetNZ.
    Vivien Maidaborn, CEO of InternetNZ, believes that while employers are reconsidering work-from-home arrangements and are modifying their policies, the call from employees to work from home more is not going away.
    “Over half of the New Zealand workforce have the technology to work from home, thanks to the internet. Changes made out of necessity during the pandemic are still deeply embedded for many of us as a workforce,” she said.
    The annual survey showed a significant drop of eight percentage points in the number of people who work from home some or all of the time. 38% of us now work from home some or all of the time, compared to 46% in the 2023 Insights survey.
    Opinion has become divided on how work from home has affected workplace culture. 19% percent of us now believe that working from home improves workplace culture, while 18% feel it makes it worse. 38% believed that work from home had no effect on workplace culture.
    “The new trend away from working from home so much, coupled with the persistent desire for options, will affect organisations. Some employers are attempting to provide all the available options, while others are simplifying things back down to what it was like pre-pandemic.”
    Being required to work in the office by an employer for a certain number of days remains the most common reason that people don’t work more from home. Face-to-face meetings and employer attitudes to remote working were other reasons why workers had to go into the office.
    Survey respondents also expressed a willingness to move somewhere else in the country, if they could take their job with them. Among those whose work can be done from home, 46% would consider moving somewhere else in New Zealand. 52% of New Zealanders do the type of work that can be done from home.
    The annual Internet Insights research encompasses a range of topics, including Internet use, concerns, online safety, and Artificial Intelligence.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Finance – ‘Rate wars’ could see borrowers go long again – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic

    As more new and existing borrowers begin to benefit from lower mortgage rates following the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) cutting cycle, market turnover levels and property values should continue to trend higher in the coming months.

    The ‘Chart of the Month’ from CoreLogic NZ’s March Housing Chart Pack looks at RBNZ data, revealing that, in January, only 10% of new borrowers across the country opted for fixed terms longer than 12 months. (ref. https://www.corelogic.co.nz/news-research/reports/housing-chart-pack )

    In other words, 90% of borrowers chose a floating or short-fixed rate (6-12 months).

    CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said while loans fixed for longer than 12 months remained unpopular in January, the recent emergence of ‘rate wars’ suggests borrowing behaviour will be something to watch closely.

    “Around 71% of NZ’s existing mortgages by value are currently fixed but due to reprice onto a new mortgage rate soon, and another 12% is floating. Over the past two-to-three years, these repricing events have generally meant a higher mortgage rate for borrowers.

    “However, that situation has now turned around again, and with rate wars recently emerging among lenders offering lower 2-3 year fixed rates, we could start to see a shift back towards them pretty shortly.

    “Both for new borrowers and those repricing existing loans. In other words, the fixation with short-fixes might be about to come to an end,” Mr Davidson said.

    He added that loan sizes remain relatively low in compared to incomes, meaning debt-to-income (DTI) ratios are under control.

    Mr Davidson emphasised that the market is also unlikely to see an immediate switch in power from buyers to sellers.

    “The stock of listings available to purchase is currently at its highest level for this time of year since at least 2018, which means buyers can still take their time to try and achieve a deal in their favour.”

    “For investors, lower mortgage rates will make new property purchases more affordable, which have required significant top-ups from other income sources over the past couple of years.”

    Overall, Mr Davidson predicts that 2025 is likely to see a subdued upturn in the property market.

    “We’re just at the beginning of seeing the first clear signs that the downturn in property values has come to an end.”

    “The CoreLogic Home Value Index recorded a 0.3% rise in February, with Christchurch and Dunedin both increasing by 0.6%, and even the previously weak Wellington area seeing a mild 0.1% lift.”

    “Nationally, property values could rise further by around 5% this year,” he concluded.
    Highlights from the March 2025 Housing Chart Pack include:

    New Zealand’s residential real estate market is worth a combined $1.64 trillion.
    The CoreLogic Home Value Index shows property values across New Zealand increased 0.3% in the month of February. Over the three months to February, there was a minor 0.1% rise in median property values across NZ.

    The total sales count over the 12 months to March is 82,757.
    Total listings on the market were 31,838 in February to be 26% up on the five-year average. Total listing counts in Northland and Waikato are lower than last year, but Canterbury, Wellington, Otago, and Gisborne have seen sizeable increases of 10% and more.
    Rental market conditions remain in favour of tenants, as net migration eases down from its very high peak, and the stock of available rental listings on the market stays elevated.
    Gross rental yields now stand at 3.9%, which Is the highest level since mid-2015.
    Inflation is firmly back in the 1–3% target range, and with February’s 0.5% cut, further OCR reductions seem likely in the coming months.
    The Chart of the Month shows that just 10% of new borrowers in January nationwide chose fixed terms longer than 12 months, while 90% opted for floating or short-term fixed rates (6-12 months). This borrowing behaviour will be worth monitoring as banks potentially lower key rates a little further in the coming months.

    Download and subscribe to the monthly CoreLogic Housing Chart Pack at corelogic.co.nz/news-research/reports/housing-chart-pack.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects three dangerous drugs cases at airport with seizure worth about $58.4 million (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs detects three dangerous drugs cases at airport with seizure worth about $58.4 million  
    In the first case, through risk assessment, Customs on March 17 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as graphite furnace machine and arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands at the airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers found about 25kg of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market value of about $11.8 million, concealed in the consignment. 
     
    After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday in Tsim Sha Tsui and arrested a male consignee, aged 20. Customs officers later escorted the arrested person to an industrial building unit in Kwai Chung for a search and further seized about 760g of suspected heroin and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia.
     
    An investigation is ongoing.
     
    In the second case, through risk assessment, Customs yesterday inspected 48 cargoes arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand at the airport. About 152kg of suspected cannabis budswith an estimated market value of about $39 million were found concealed inside. 
     
    After a follow-up investigation, Customs discovered that an overseas company had commissioned a local freight forwarding company to collect the batch of goods and arranged  transshipment of the goods to the UK via air channel. Customs has contacted the overseas law enforcement agencies concerned to conduct follow-up investigations.
     
    In the third case, a 33-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, via Istanbul, Türkiye, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 15kg of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $7.1 million inside her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested. She has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 20).
         
    Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
     
    Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
     
    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

    Customs also reminds that cannabis and tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) are classified as dangerous drugs under the Ordinance. Importation of products (including food or drinks) containing cannabis or THC into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the Ordinance are complied with. In order to avoid breaching the law inadvertently, special attention should be paid to the packaging labels of food and drinks.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 23:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: APEDA showcases India’s Agricultural offerings, Processed Foods and alcoholic beverage products at the IFE London 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 7:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)   commenced participation, showcasing India’s Agricultural offerings, Processed Foods and Alcoholic Beverage Products at the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) London, 2025 on 18 March 2025. A delegation of 16 leading Indian exporters from Gujarat, Punjab, Telangana, Haryana, Maharashtra, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu amongst other states represented by 27 participants are showcasing a wide array of premium  products at the India Pavilion, providing a platform for business opportunities to the UK market.

    India’s pavilion features a diverse selection of homegrown value-added products, including a variety of agricultural produce, processed foods and beverages.

    The Deputy High Commissioner of India in the UK, Mr. Sujit Ghosh and First Secretary (Trade, Tourism and OCI), Mr. Rakesh Dahiya along with officials from APEDA inaugurated the India Pavilion, today. APEDA’s presence at the IFE London 2025 underlines India’s commitment to promoting its agricultural offerings on the global stage.

    Notable highlights of the exhibition include fresh fruits like Mangoes, Pomegranates and Guavas, a premium range of Processed Foods as well as a fine collection of Indian Liquor such as Rampur, Sula, Godawan, Old Monk Coffee Rum, Jamun Gin and Jaisalmer amongst others. Visitors can explore an extensive showcase of offerings such as Basmati rice, Honey, Namkeen, Peanut Butter, Makhana, Sauces, Millets, Soya Chaap, Baby Corn, Masala Soda, dried Petha, Ready-to-Cook (RTC) dishes like Rajma Rice, Samosas, Dal Rice, Sarson Ka Saag, Chana Rice and Coconuts.

    A special emphasis is placed on promoting Organic products, Millets and Indian fruits like mangoes and pomegranates. Sampling sessions are being organized, giving attendees the opportunity to experience authentic Indian flavours with offerings like vegetarian and non-vegetarian Basmati Rice Biryani and Millet Khichdi. As part of its strategic efforts to further enhance the global footprint of Indian agricultural exports, India’s participation in IFE London 2025 serves as a platform for Indian exporters to connect with potential buyers, explore new business collaborations and promote the diverse offerings of India’s agricultural and processed food sectors globally.

    The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a Statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. APEDA’s mission is to develop, facilitate and promote the exports of agricultural and processed food products from India and to enhance the nation’s footprint in the global food and beverage industry.

    ***

     

    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Manufacturing of Heavy Electrical Equipment & Encouragement of Electric Vehicles

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 6:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, chaired the meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Ministry of Heavy Industries on 19.03.2025. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries & Steel, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Members of the Committee, Shri Kamran Rizvi, Secretary, MHI along with Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Shri Vijay Mittal, Joint Secretary, MHI, Shri S.J. Sinha, Advisor, NITI Aayog, other senior officials from the ministry.

    During the meeting, presentations and discussions were held on ” Manufacturing of Heavy Electrical Equipment” and “Encouragement of Electric Vehicles.” The discussions focused on strategies to accelerate EV adoption, enhance the manufacturing ecosystem, and strengthen the domestic production of heavy electrical equipment to support the growing demand for sustainable transportation and infrastructure.

    Addressing the meeting Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy said “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is making transformative strides in Amrit Kaal, aiming to become a global industrial powerhouse. The “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision positions India as a leading manufacturing and export hub, fostering economic resilience, technological leadership, and industrial self-reliance. Manufacturing contributes 17% to GDP, playing a key role in economic growth, with engineering, capital goods, automotive, and renewables among the high-impact sectors.”

    Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy said The Ministry of Heavy Industries is working with the vision statement: “To have a globally competitive, green, and technology-driven heavy industry manufacturing sector, including automotive and capital goods sectors, which propels growth and job creation.” Schemes such as Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector (Phase I & II), FAME, PLI for Automotive & Advanced Chemistry Cell, and PM E-DRIVE have been launched with the goal of building a strong domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

    During the meeting Union Ministers of State for Heavy Industries & Steel, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma said “A globally competitive manufacturing sector is India’s greatest potential to drive economic growth and job creation. Several key initiatives, such as the National Manufacturing Policy and PLI scheme, have been launched to enhance India’s manufacturing potential.”

    Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma said “When it comes to the mobility sector, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has taken deliberate and forward-looking steps to ensure that the transition to electric mobility is seamless, sustainable, and inclusive. A series of progressive initiatives have been instrumental in shaping this transformation, including FAME-II, PM E-DRIVE, PLI schemes for Auto and Advanced Chemistry Cells, the PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism, and the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India. Each of these initiatives plays a crucial role in boosting local manufacturing, strengthening charging infrastructure, supporting public transport electrification, and fostering innovation in the EV sector.”

    The participants were briefed about-

    Manufacturing of Heavy Electrical Equipment:

    The Ministry of Heavy Industries continues to play a vital role in strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in the Heavy Electrical Equipment sector. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a key entity under MHI, has been at the forefront of this development, contributing significantly to indigenization and self-reliance in the sector.

    Key Highlights:

    • The Indian manufacturing sector accounts for 17% of GDP and employs over 27.3 million workers as of FY24.
    • Government initiatives such as “Make in India” and the PLI Scheme have catalysed growth in the sector.
    • BHEL has developed a comprehensive portfolio of products, including power generation and transmission equipment, along with industrial solutions.
    • The company has been actively contributing to the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar and wind energy, in alignment with India’s clean energy goals.

    Encouragement of Electric Vehicles:

    The Indian automotive industry plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy, contributing 6.8% of GDP and generating approximately 30 million jobs. The government’s sustained efforts to promote electric mobility have led to remarkable progress, with over 19 lakh EVs registered in 2024, marking a significant increase from 15 lakh in 2023. India’s proactive initiatives are not only accelerating the adoption of EVs domestically but also positioning the country as a key player in the global EV market.

    Key Government Initiatives:

    • Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme: Over 7,400 electric buses have been sanctioned under the FAME initiative, significantly enhancing sustainable urban mobility.
    • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: With a total outlay of ₹25,938 crore over five years, the PLI scheme is driving India’s manufacturing competitiveness in the automobile and auto-component sector.
    • Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC): This initiative aims to attract investments from leading global EV manufacturers and establish India as a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.
    • PM E-DRIVE Scheme: With an allocation of ₹10,900 crore, this scheme promotes EV adoption while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable mobility.

    The meeting appreciated the government’s commitment to accelerate the transition to clean energy, fostering a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem, as well as positioning India as a global leader in EVs and heavy electrical equipment. The Ministry of Heavy Industries remains dedicated to implementing policies that drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

    *****

    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2112952) Visitor Counter : 60

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: North India’s first Nuclear project coming up in Haryana in a small town called Gorakhpur,

    Source: Government of India (2)

    North India’s first Nuclear project coming up in Haryana in a small town called Gorakhpur,

    Jaitapur Nuclear Plant to Contribute 10% of India’s 100 GW Clean Energy Goal Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha

    Environmental Concerns Over Jaitapur Addressed, Project on Track

    In a significant policy shift, the government is also opening the nuclear energy sector to private participation to accelerate expansion.

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 5:01PM by PIB Delhi

    North India’s first Nuclear project is coming up in Haryana in a small town called Gorakhpur.

    This was revealed by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh while reaffirming the government’s commitment to the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, calling it a critical step toward India’s clean energy future.

    Responding to concerns raised in the Lok Sabha, Dr. Jitendra Singh clarified that environmental clearance for the project is under renewal and that necessary safeguards are in place to address ecological and safety concerns.

     Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the government remains confident in the safety of the project despite objections from conservation groups and concerns about its location in a seismic zone. He stated that concerns about risks to marine life and local livelihoods have been raised repeatedly, and every time, the government has “tried to allay all these apprehensions that there is no such risk to the marine life, the fisheries, or the people living around, there are ample number of evidence-based studies to prove that.” He further clarified that the environmental clearance had expired in December 2022 due to procedural delays, not because of any new environmental objections. “If there were very serious environmental hazards or any apprehension or evidence, then we would not have got the environment clearance even earlier,” he explained.

    Tracing the project’s timeline, the Minister explained that while initial approvals were given in 2008, delays occurred due to shifts in agreements with French stakeholders. With technical agreements now finalized, discussions are ongoing to settle commercial terms with the French side. The Jaitapur plant, once operational, will house six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 1,730 MW, totaling 10,380 MW—accounting for 10% of India’s 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047.

    Addressing concerns about nuclear liability, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) framework provides clear safeguards. The primary responsibility rests with the operator, and an insurance pool of ₹1,500 crore has been set up, with additional commitments from the government if required. Furthermore, India has aligned with global compensation mechanisms to ensure financial security in case of an incident.

    In a significant policy shift, the government is also opening the nuclear energy sector to private participation to accelerate expansion. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the upcoming Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant in Haryana, marking India’s first nuclear project in North India, as part of this broader vision.

    With India aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070, the Jaitapur project is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the country’s clean energy ambitions while strengthening its position as a leader in nuclear technology.

     

    ***

    NKR/PSM

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION:MATSYA-6000

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Matsya-6000 is India’s flagship human submersible aimed to carry three persons to a depth of 6000 meters, developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, as part of the Samudrayaan project of the Deep Ocean Mission launched by the Government of India in 2021.

    Matsya- 6000 (2.1-meter diameter personnel sphere) which houses the crew is made of a Titanium alloy and maintains an inside pressure of 1 atmosphere (atm). Further, the personnel sphere spherical pressure hull is tested to bear 720 bars of pressure, which is 1.2 times more than the pressure expected at 6000 meters. All human safety parameters are continuously monitored during the operations and are communicated to the ship-based Mission Control Centre through an acoustic modem, with the pilot communicating updates through the Underwater Acoustic Telephone every 30 minutes. It is designed for operations of up to 12 hours, with an emergency endurance of up to 96 hours, supported by a DNV-certified Human Support and Safety System (HSSS). DNV (Det Norske Veritas) is an internationally accredited registrar and classification society headquartered in Norway. The HSSS maintains the oxygen level at 20 per cent, the CO2 level at less than 1000 ppmv (part per million by volume), and controls humidity by measurement sensors to ensure human life comfort and safety.

    The submersible is designed to perpetually float unless made to dive through water filling in its ballast tanks. It has three different combinations of weight drop mechanisms for ascending to the surface to maintain the safety. It has additional emergency power, control, and communication devices for emergency scenarios.

    Matsya-6000 is equipped with an Underwater Acoustic Telephone that has been operated and tested for operations up to 10,000 meters depth of human operation vehicles, in addition to a sub-phone rated for 500-meter depth operations. The voice communication is designed to be utilized every 30 minutes with the submersible pilot and the Mission Control Centre so that continuous communication is ensured.

    NIOT has signed MoU with the IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), France, facilitating scientific knowledge exchange and participation with the French human scientific submersible for 6000 meters depth named NAUTILE.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ******

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Implantable Port Recall: Smiths Medical Removes ProPort Plastic Implantable Ports Due to Manufacturing Error that May Cause Separation

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it. 
    Affected Product 

    Item Number
    Product Name and Description
    UDI

    21-4153-24 

    ProPort (Plastic standard portal)
    1.9 mm PUR catheter – Kit

    10610586012563

    21-4155-24

    ProPort (Plastic standard portal)
    2.6 mm PUR catheter – Tray 

    10610586012594

    21-4165-24

    ProPort (Plastic standard portal)
    2.6 mm PUR catheter. Pre-assembled – Tray

    10610586012686

    21-4171-24   

    ProPort (Plastic Low-Profile portal)
    2.6 mm PUR catheter – Tray

    10610586012716

    21-4183-24   

    ProPort (Plastic Low-Profile portal)
    1.9 mm PUR catheter – Tray

     10610586012778

    21-4187-24

    ProPort (Plastic Low-Profile portal)
    2.8 mm Silicone catheter – Tray

    10610586012839

     Lots: See full list of affected devices below.

    What to Do  

    Do not use ProPort Implantable Plastic Port from affected lots.
    Monitor patients who already have implanted ProPort Implantable Ports for signs of any adverse events.

    On February 13, 2025, Smiths Medical sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall letter recommending the following actions:
    For healthcare providers

    Follow the Instructions for Use:

    Monitor patients who have an implanted ProPort Implantable Port for signs of any adverse events.
    Make sure the housing and reservoir feel secure and stable when palpating the portal.

    Symptoms such as swelling, redness, or discomfort at the implant site may indicate leakage or system failure.

    For customers/distributors

    Stop use and distribution of affected product.
    Check inventory and quarantine all affected product.
    Return all affected product.
    Inform product users of the notification.
    Complete and return the response form attached to the letter to smithsmedical8171@sedgwick.com within 10 days of receipt, even if you do not have the affected product and/or product has already been used.
    If product was distributed to other facilities, notify anyone who may have received the product.

    Ask them to contact Sedgwick at 1-888-345-2656 to obtain a response form.

    Reason for Recall  
    Smiths Medical is recalling ProPort Plastic Implantable Ports due to a manufacturing defect that may cause the plastic port housing and port reservoir to separate before, during, or after implantation.
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including complications from the delay or interruption of life-saving therapies, damage or scarring to skin or tissue surrounding the port from contact with leaking intravenous medications such as chemotherapy, air entering the bloodstream (air embolism), and death.  
    There have been two reported injuries. There have been no reports of death. 
    Device Use
    ProPort Plastic Implantable Ports are part of a system for accessing veins (venous access) that includes the plastic port, a silicone or polyurethane catheter, a catheter connector, a Port-A-Cath access needle, a blunt needle, and a vein pick. ProPort systems are used when patient therapy requires repeated venous access for injections, infusions, and/or blood samples.
    Contact Information  
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact Smiths Medical Customer Service at customerservice@icumed.com or 1-(800)-258-5361. 
    Full List of Affected Devices  
    Table 1: Affected Products

    Item Number
    Item Description
    UDI
    Lot Number

    21-4153-24 
    ProPort (Plastic standard portal)1.9 mm PUR catheter – Kit
    10610586012563
    4453603

    21-4155-24
    ProPort (Plastic standard portal)2.6 mm PUR catheter – Tray    
    10610586012594
    40578174221725392611939448333960347396809839884514027913408700042569394139520429148441464674295931417347443074734196758430747444475724449876446061960371446059285

    21-4165-24
    ProPort (Plastic standard portal)2.6 mm PUR catheter. Pre-assembled – Tray 
    10610586012686
    3984420423554342427874294897

    21-4171-24
    ProPort (Plastic Low-Profile portal)2.6 mm PUR catheter – Tray
    10610586012716
    396927541967684153873422778842323104136364423560039844213941279402260141485904276227424871843955124302980441544543074784420760432588044498774358053446062043580546013083

    21-4183-24
    ProPort (Plastic Low-Profile portal)1.9 mm PUR catheter – Tray
    10610586012778
    39160284256964416355660266514235601422172742486944256928

    21-4187-24
    ProPort (Plastic Low-Profile portal)2.8 mm Silicone catheter – Tray 
    10610586012839
    41967363922514

    Additional FDA Resources  

    FDA’s Enforcement Report

    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, Silicone Catheter, 2.87,,O.D. (8.4Fr) s 1.0mm I.D., REF 21-4150-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, Silicone Catheter, 2.8mm (8.4Fr) O.D. x 1.0mm I.D., 9 Fr Introducer, REF 21-4151-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, PolyFlow Polyurethane Catheter, 1.9mm O.D. (5.8 Fr) x 1.0mm I.D., REF 21-4152-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, PolyFlow Polyurethane Catheter, 1.9mm (5.8Fr) O.D. x 1.0mm I.D., 6Fr Introducer, REF 21-4153-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, PolyFlow Polyurethane Catheter, 2.6mm O.D. (7.8Fr) x 1.6mm I.D., REF 21-4155-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, Pre-assembled with PolyFlow Polyurethane Catheter, 2.6mm (7.8Fr) O.D. x 1.6mm I.D., 8.6Fr Introducer, REF 21-4165-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, PolyFlow Catheter, 2.6 (7.8Fr) O.D. x 1.6mm I.D., 8.5Fr Introducer, REF 21-4171-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, Pre-assembled with PolyFlow Polyurethane Catheter, 2.6mm O.D. (7.8Fr) x 1.6mm I.D., REF 21-4172-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, Pre-assembled with PolyFlow Polyurethane Catheter, 2.6mm (7.8Fr) O.D. x 1.6mm I.D., 8.5Fr Introducer, REF 21-4173-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Plastic Venous Access System, Implantable Venous Access Systems, 82-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Low Profile Plastic Venous Access System, PolyFlow Polyurethane Catheter, 1.9mm (5.8Fr) O.D. x 1.0mm., 6Fr Introducer, REF 21-4183-24
    Smiths Medical ProPort Low Profile Plastic Venous Access System, Silicone Catheter, 2.8mm (8.4Fr) O.D. x 1.0mm I.D., 9Fr Introducer, REF 21-4187-24

    Medical Device Recall Database

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.  

    Content current as of:
    03/19/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

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