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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Note to Correspondents: Joint communiqué of the 8th AU-UN Annual Conference

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    1. On 21 October 2024, the African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat and the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres convened the Eighth African Union-United Nations Annual Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They noted with deep concern the current state of peace and security globally, including armed conflicts and humanitarian crises, and in some cases profound disregard for international law and the shared principles of the two organizations.

    2. The Chairperson and the Secretary-General reviewed progress in the implementation of the “Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security,” the “AU-UN Framework for the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” and the “AU-UN Joint Framework on Human Rights.” They welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the three joint frameworks.

    3. The Chairperson and the Secretary-General welcomed the convening of the HighLevel Strategic Dialogue on Sustainable Development co-chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, which seeks to advance strategic coordination and alignment within the context of the African Union-United Nations Framework for the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They reiterated their commitment to deliver socio-economic development and prosperity in line with the AU Agenda 2063 and UN 2030 Agenda. They welcomed the formulation of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 and emphasized the need for the timely and effective implementation of the Plan, as well as a stronger working relationship between the AU and the UN at the continental, regional and national level in its realization towards Africa’s accelerated socio-economic transformation and development. In this regard, they saluted the decision of the AU-UN High-level Strategic Dialogue to engage the African Women Leaders Network to support the mainstreaming of gender throughout the AU-UN strategic coordination process. The Chairperson and the Secretary-General welcomed the progress made, and called for the full operationalization of mechanisms of the five thematic ‘college–to–college’ formations.

    4. The Chairperson and the Secretary-General noted their concern that the absence of fiscal space in African countries to invest in sustainable development continues to undermine progress in the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda and called on Member States to approach the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development with the level of ambition needed to achieve transformative results. They reaffirmed the commitment of the African Union and the United Nations to jointly advocate for urgent measures to generate fiscal space, such as the SDG Stimulus and the reform of the international financial architecture. They reaffirmed the readiness of the two organizations to jointly support African Member States in strengthening their domestic resource mobilization systems to ensure the long-term sustainability of financing for development, including the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) convened by the UN Global Compact in collaboration with UN partner agencies.

    5. The Annual Conference welcomed the African Union’s membership of the G20 and the commitment of the United Nations to work with and support the African Union in ensuring that Africa’s needs, interests and priorities are well articulated and take the center-stage in the processes, agenda, deliberations and outcomes of the G20 meetings.

    6. The Chairperson and the Secretary-General welcomed the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations on 22 September, noting that they open pathways to new possibilities and opportunities towards a more effective, inclusive, networked multilateral system that is better equipped to effectively respond to today’s and tomorrow’s political, economic, environmental and technological challenges. They called for urgent and concerted action to implement all agreed commitments.

    7. The Annual Conference underscored the primacy of political solutions and the need to strengthen the capacities of both organizations in preventive diplomacy and mediation. The Annual Conference emphasized the imperative to prioritize good offices missions, and further strengthen collaboration between Africa Union and United Nations Special Representatives and Envoys deployed in various parts of the continent.

    8. The Annual Conference welcomed the ongoing initiatives in promoting the Women Peace and Security and the Youth Peace and Security agendas, as well as protection of children in conflict situations. They reiterated the importance of consolidating and building on the gains made in promoting inclusive political processes through effective engagement and participation of women and the youth in peace processes at the technical, operational, decision-making and policymaking levels.

    9. The Chairperson and the Secretary-General welcomed the ongoing elaboration of the Common African Position on Climate, Peace and Security, which would represent not only a global precedent, but also an important step for mitigation and adaptation strategies on the continent. They underscored the importance of the Common African Position both as a means of underscoring the effects of climate change on Africa’s peace, security, and development efforts, and as a means to strengthen Africa’s calls for support in its sustainable development and for equity in the name of climate justice. In particular, the Annual Conference highlighted the risks posed by the aggravating water crisis across the continent, and called for greater collaboration between the AU and the UN to overcome the crisis. The Annual Conference also looked forward to the outcome of the Ninth Session of the Africa Regional Platform and the High-Level Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction, scheduled for the 21-24 October in Namibia, and in this context called for the accelerated development of early warning systems, to attain the goal of universal coverage by 2027.

    10.The Chairperson and the Secretary-General welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 2719 (2023) which represents a significant milestone toward ensuring adequate, predictable and sustainable funding for African Union-led peace support operations. They further recognized that the resolution provides opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the two organizations in peace and security under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, whilst ensuring that peace operations in general adapt to present day realities. The Annual Conference endorsed the joint AU-UN roadmap on the operationalization of resolution 2719 (2023). The Annual Conference reaffirmed the preservation of the comparative advantages and complementarity of the African Union and the United Nations, based on their respective mandates, principles and shared objectives. It underscored the importance of the implementation of the resolution, whilst maintaining an integrated approach in addressing conflict situations comprehensively, by ensuring that capacities, systems, procedures and processes, as well as joint accountability and institutional readiness continue to be strengthened for the delivery and sustainment of African Union-led peace support operations deployed under resolution 2719 (2023).

    11.The Annual Conference expressed grave concern about the stalled political transition processes in Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Sudan, and called for the timely and peaceful return to constitutional order in these countries. The Annual Conference also noted with concern the heightened instability and insecurity, as well as the shrinking civic space in the affected States. The Annual Conference recognized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between affected States and sub-regional, continental, and global organizations in addressing the political, peace, security, development and human rights challenges.

    12.The Chairperson and the Secretary-General considered the final report of the High-Level Independent Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel presented by the Chair of the Panel, former President of the Republic of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou, and agreed to jointly take forward key recommendations through their respective organs and institutional mechanisms. The Annual Conference reaffirmed the commitment of the African Union and the United Nations to enhance their support in advancing democratic transitions in West Africa and the Sahel, working closely with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    13.On Libya, the Annual Conference welcomed efforts by the United Nations to foster inclusive political dialogue, including recent progress on the governance of the Central Bank. It took note of the persistent political stalemate and entrenched divisions in Libya, which continue to pose challenges for efforts to reunite the country and organize credible presidential and parliamentary elections to put in place unified, representative and legitimate Libyan institutions. The Annual Conference stressed that Libya’s sustainable peace and stability will only be realized through inclusive processes that will bring about legitimate governance and institutions; and in that regard, collective efforts, including of neighbors and international partners, must focus on supporting and encouraging the main Libyan leaders to take ownership of the political process, set aside personal interests and strive to reach political consensus in support for national reconciliation and the conduct of elections without further delays. The Conference expresses full support for the continued engagement of the African Union to promote national reconciliation through the adoption of the Charter on National Reconciliation.

    14.The Annual Conference observed that geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa are becoming increasingly fragile and therefore noted the need for ever more coordinated preventive action and messaging by both organizations and partners on de-escalation and constructive engagement. On Somalia, the Annual Conference reiterated their close collaboration, including on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2748 (2024) to finalize the mission implementation plan for the PSC endorsed African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia. It also reaffirmed the importance of sustained and full implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Tigray, Ethiopia. On South Sudan, the Annual Conference agreed to enhance coordination of regional and international support for the process led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and called on the Transitional Government to sustain momentum in discussions on an agreed updated roadmap and timeline and advance the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement. On Sudan, the Annual Conference expressed grave concerned about the further escalation of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. They urged the parties to immediately engage in genuine dialogue to reach a permanent ceasefire, while stressing that the protection of civilians should be guaranteed at all times and unhindered and sustained humanitarian access should be ensured. The African Union and the United Nations strongly condemned external interference in Sudan and urged these actors to stop the flow of arms in Sudan, which continues to fuel the conflict. They welcomed the efforts spearheaded by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to support the transition to a fully democratic government that fulfils the aspirations of the Sudanese people. The Annual Conference also encouraged the good offices of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Sudan and AU High-Level Panel on Sudan and called for strengthened diplomatic push underpinned by the coordination and complementarity of initiatives. They welcomed the establishment of the PSC Presidential Ad Hoc Committee on Sudan, and reaffirmed their commitment to support the Committee in executing its mandate.

    15.On the Great Lakes region, the Annual Conference welcomed the 4 August ceasefire between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, which has contributed to a reduction in hostilities in the North Kivu province of the DRC, while expressing concern about the humanitarian situation in North Kivu and Ituri, where armed groups activities continue to affect civilians and impede activities of humanitarian workers. The Annual Conference commended African Union mediator President João Lourenço of Angola for his steadfast efforts through the Luanda process, and the efforts deployed under the auspices of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including the deployment of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC), aimed at restoring peace and security in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Annual Conference stressed that attaining sustainable peace calls for addressing the root causes, including through full implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region, and in that regard, called for enhanced coordination of regional peace initiatives, including through the Quadripartite Process facilitated by the African Union.

    16.The Annual Conference took note of the expiry of the terms of office of the African Union Commission Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Commissioners in early 2025. The Secretary-General took the opportunity to commend the African Union Commission leadership for the commitment and support to the partnership during their terms of office. He paid special tribute to Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat for his leadership of the African Union Commission over the last eight years.

    17.The Chairperson and Secretary-General agreed to convene the Ninth African Union – United Nations Annual Conference in 2025 in New York at a mutually convenient date.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Significant environmental offences deliver hefty fine for contractor

    Source: Auckland Council

    In a reserved decision handed down in the Auckland District Court last Friday (18 October), contractor Prameet Sharma was fined $144,500 and ordered $11,575 in reparations for extensive violations of the Resource Management Act (RMA), involving illegal earthworks and environmental contamination at his Drury property at Judge Richardson Drive, Drury.

    Sharma was convicted on three charges, including breaching an abatement notice, depositing contaminated fill, and conducting unauthorised earthworks exceeding legal limits.

    The fine is the largest handed down to an individual in recent years for breaches of the RMA.

    Serious environmental harm

    Judge Semple, referencing a report that found hazardous materials including asbestos, arsenic, and lead in the fill deposited by Sharma, described the environmental harm as significant and long-lasting, and the effects of the offending on the environment as serious.

    “Even once remediated, the site will remain a HAIL (Hazardous Activities and Industries List) site with ‘no build’ areas, which is a significant consequence of Mr Sharma’s actions.”

    The court heard that between 2015 and 2022, Sharma allowed illegal earthworks on his property, depositing over 33,900 cubic metres of contaminated fill, far exceeding the permitted consented limit of 5,000 cubic metres.

    The fill, which included asbestos and other harmful materials, was found to have travelled onto neighbouring properties, causing land instability and damaging ecosystems.

    Reckless and prolonged breach

    Judge Semple emphasised Sharma’s culpability, noting he ignored repeated warnings and enforcement actions from Auckland Council.

    “Mr. Sharma was alerted to issues with the volume and placement of fill as early as 2015.

    “Despite receiving abatement and infringement notices, Mr Sharma continued illegal activity. His disregard for the legal process and expert advice resulted in long-term environmental damage.”

    The judge rejected claims Sharma was merely trying to resolve issues arising from the council’s changing parameters.

    “I find limited evidence to support this assertion,” said Judge Semple. She noted Sharma refused to comply with council directives and acted with a high level of culpability. “Mr Sharma chose to continue undertaking earthworks in breach of his consent.”

    Public deterrence

    Auckland Council’s Team Leader Investigations David Pawson was happy with the outcome.

    “The court ruling marks a strong stance in upholding the integrity of environmental laws and sends a clear message to the public regarding the consequences of non-compliance.

    “The decision highlights the importance of holding an offender accountable to prevent similar violations in the future.”

    Failure to remediate

    The court ruled out a discharge without conviction, finding the seriousness of the offences and their ongoing impacts warranted a significant penalty.

    While the court acknowledged enforcement orders were issued to Sharma in 2024, Judge Semple noted no remediation had taken place despite these orders and refused to grant credit for remediation work, stating that returning the land to a compliant state is the bare minimum requirement.

    Final orders

    In addition to the $144,500 fine, Mr Sharma has been ordered to pay $11,575 in reparations to his neighbour, whose property was damaged due to the migration of contaminated fill.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Supporting community-led action to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    23 October 2024

    The Albanese Labor Government is investing $10.89 million for nine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations to support campaigns and services that help children to develop healthy relationships to prevent gender-based violence before it starts.

    This investment is a key initiative under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-2025, which was launched by all Australian governments in August last year.

    Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth will today visit the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) in Melbourne to learn more about its Deadly Kids project, which will benefit under this investment.

    “Our investment in projects like Deadly Kids recognises the importance of community-led action to prevent violence in First Nations communities,” Minster Rishworth said.

    “This project is one of nine which we are funding across the country. Together, the successful organisations will deliver a range of prevention programs and campaigns that promote healthy relationships from an early age.

    “By working together with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and communities, we can work towards addressing – and ultimately ending – the disproportionate impact of gender-based violence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

    The Deadly Kids project will develop a train-the-trainer package promoting healthy respectful relationships and deliver it to youth groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 8-12 years across the six regions VACCA supports. This includes Northern Metropolitan, Southern Metropolitan, Eastern Metropolitan, Western Metropolitan, Inner Gippsland and Ovens Murray.

    The training will help children to recognise signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, helping to prevent family violence from happening as they move into their adolescent years and start forming their first intimate partner relationships.

    This initiative will also help progress Target 13 under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap 2020-2030, which aims to reduce all forms of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children by at least 50 per cent by 2031.

    More information on The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.

    This grant funding is a key initiative of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit http://www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.

    Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Support Worker on 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Workshop to Offer Guidance on How to Open Business Claims for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Workshop to Offer Guidance on How to Open Business Claims for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

    Workshop to Offer Guidance on How to Open Business Claims for the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

    SANTA FE, NM – Business owners impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding can receive tips at an Oct. 23 workshop on how to open a claim, learn more about what qualifies for compensation and begin the claims process on the spot. The Advocate team at the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is partnering with the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration to offer guidance to affected businesses on the best way to start a claim before the Dec. 20, 2024, deadline. The workshop will be 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., Oct. 23 at Highlands University’s Student Union Building, third floor, in Las Vegas, N.M. There will be information booths and presentations on what’s required for businesses to receive compensation and what resources are available to impacted businesses. To-date the Claims Office has paid more than $214 million to business owners and is bringing the Claims Office’s business team to the community to continue to share vital information to owners as they navigate the claims process. Claims Office business team members will be onsite to assist those who want to file a Notice of Loss (NOL), which is the first step in starting a claim.“Businesses are the backbone of communities and provide jobs and essential services, which is why the Advocate Team is committed to helping eligible businesses start their claims before the deadline,” said Paula Gutierrez, the Claims Office Advocate Branch Chief. “This workshop is one way to maximize the resources that are available to business owners to address their needs, as they navigate the claims process before the Dec. 20, 2024, deadline.”Business owners who aim to submit an NOL at the workshop should bring the following:  Tax returns and profit/loss statements for 2021 and 2022Articles of incorporation or organizationCompleted W-9Copy of the IRS letter with your name and Employer Identification NumberInventory and equipment list before and after the fire and flooding. Photos of damaged propertyA document showing estimated cost of damage or losses; that could be an invoice, receipt or purchase order of repairs and costs to replace equipment and inventory.  The workshop will offer instruction on business impacts that qualify for compensation, such as increased costs, temporary interruption or closure, loss of natural resources, canceled contracts and staff who were paid after operations shut down. Representatives from the Small Business Administration New Mexico District Office, the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency, New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program (Los Alamos National Laboratory), New Mexico Occupational Health & Safety Bureau and the City of Las Vegas Community Development Department will be onsite to share resources and answer questions.The Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. So far, it has paid more than $1.4 billion to claimants. As we continue to approach the Dec. 20, 2024, deadline, we continue to observe an increase in claim submissions, that may result in temporary longer wait times that often prevent same-day issuance of Letters of Determination for claims. We are actively working to reduce wait times and shorten processing times of claims. Claims Office compensation is not taxable. Receiving payment from the Claims Office will not affect eligibility for government assistance programs. Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your claim navigator or the Helpline at 505-995-7133.For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice. 
    erika.suzuki
    Tue, 10/22/2024 – 20:37

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis, USDOT Deputy Secretary Trottenberg, CDOT and Local Agencies Celebrate Opening of I-25 Mobility Hubs

    Source: US State of Colorado

    LOVELAND — Today, Governor Jared Polis, U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shoshana Lew, and local partners celebrated the opening of three new mobility hubs along Interstate 25, between Longmont and Loveland. These new mobility hubs enhance transportation options along the busy I-25 corridor by connecting Coloradans and communities, reducing traffic and congestion, and protecting our air. 

    “Expanding and improving transportation options for Coloradans helps us reduce traffic, reach our climate, air quality, and housing goals all while saving people time and money. Today, as we open these three mobility hubs, we begin a new era of transportation along I-25 where Coloradans have more options to get where they need to go safely, conveniently, and affordably,” said Governor Polis. 

    These three new mobility hubs will strengthen the future of transit and general traffic safety on I-25 while connecting northern Coloradans with the rest of the state, improving rider experience, and saving riders time. 

    “The U.S. Department of Transportation is proud to invest in Colorado’s new mobility hubs on Interstate 25 that improve access, mobility and give people more options to safely travel between communities in Northern Colorado and downtown Denver,” said U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “The I-25 North Corridor is the backbone of the Front Range, and as Colorado continues to grow, it is critical that we continue to expand transportation options like bus transit to serve the needs of all Coloradans.” 

    The hubs were designed with safety and operational efficiency, with a center-loading area for passengers between the northbound and southbound lanes at the Berthoud and Centerra Loveland hubs. 

    “This infrastructure allows transit trips in Northern Colorado to be more convenient, efficient and comfortable. Along with better access to Bustang’s North Line, our network of I-25 mobility hubs is encouraging transit-oriented development that will give local residents new and better travel options, as well as better access to all that Northern Colorado has to offer,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. 

    The mobility hubs offer affordable, reliable, and relaxing transportation choices to move people safely between downtown Denver and Fort Collins, providing a catalyst for more housing Coloradans can afford and connecting more people to other cities and towns, employment centers, and entertainment and cultural facilities. The Berthoud and Centerra Loveland mobility hubs were constructed as part of the I-25 North Express Lanes Project, Berthoud to Fort Collins. Roadway and Express Lanes construction between Colorado State Highway 56 and Prospect Road reached substantial completion in December 2023. With the opening of the mobility hubs, this section of the I-25 North corridor will provide a truly efficient, multimodal and safe transportation connection for northern Coloradans and anyone passing through the I-25 North corridor. 

    “As the City of Loveland Mayor Pro Tem, a resident, and the current chair of the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) I am extremely pleased to see the Centerra-Loveland Mobility Hub completed. I’ve watched it being constructed over the past couple of years and can say everyone should be very proud of the outcome,” said Jon Mallo. “I think the biggest plus for Loveland’s residents is how much more convenient and faster it will be to get back and forth to Denver. All of my kids and grandchildren live in the Denver area and I use Bustang exclusively for visits and ballgames.” 

    “After nearly a decade in the making, the new Centerra-Loveland Station and Kendall Parkway connection not only ensures commuters have access to more transit options but also helps to reduce congestion and contribute to more sustainable transit for Northern Colorado,” said the President of the Centerra Metro District, Kim Perry. “We’re proud to partner with CDOT to bring these innovative transit solutions to our residents, providing opportunities to save time, reduce emissions, and improve traffic safety.” 

    Work on the next segment of the I-25 North Express Lanes Project, Mead to Berthoud, kicked off in May 2024 and will continue through 2028. As construction continues, remember to account for travel delays, obey posted speed limits and never drive distracted. With the mobility hubs complete, now is a great time to take advantage of Bustang and other regional public transportation services to make navigating construction a bit easier. 

    About the I-25 North Mobility Hubs 

    CDOT has proactively recognized and planned for the rapid population increase occurring in northern Colorado and has committed to provide multimodal choices in the form of Express Lanes, mobility hubs and carpool lots, to reduce congestion and greenhouse gasses along the I-25 corridor. As part of the 26-mile long operational and safety improvement projects recently completed, three hubs were constructed at Firestone-Longmont (CO 119), Berthoud (CO 56) and Centerra Loveland (off new Kendall Parkway, north of the US 34 interchange), completing the build out of the hub network in Northern Colorado.

    Left to Right: Chris Boespflug, (I-25 Project manager), Kim Perry, McWhinney, Gov, Polly, SL, Heather, Andy Wilson (FHWA CO Division Deputy Director), Transportation Commissioner Karen Stuart

     

    Governor Polis Speaking at Grand Opening of I-25 Mobility Hub in Loveland

     

    U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg Speaking at I-25 Mobility Hub

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Saving Coloradans Money on Health Care: Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera Launch Colorado Hospital Price Finder New tools add more transparency in health care

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Primavera, and PatientRightsAdvocate.org (PRA) launched the Colorado Hospital Price Finder, a tool from a non-profit powered by information made available under HB22-1285, a law signed by Governor Polis to connect Coloradans with services, increase price transparency, and save people money on health care. This tool compliments the state-generated price transparency initiative Governor Polis and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing announced earlier this year, empowering Coloradans with the information they need about the cost of care. 

    “Saving Coloradans money on health care is a top priority and I am excited to help launch this new and free Colorado Hospital Price Finder to make healthcare pricing more competitive and save people money on healthcare. I am excited to see more of these tools online because the more transparency the better for all of us. We will continue to ensure Colorado’s competitive health care market provides high-quality care to everyone at lower costs and provide more clarity on the true cost of health care,” said Governor Polis. 

    The Polis-Primavera Administration in partnership with the legislature has passed landmark bipartisan laws that build off of federal standards to improve hospital price transparency and lower health care costs for hardworking Coloradans. 

    “For far too long there has been a veil of secrecy and confusion that has made it hard for payers, whether that’s employers, municipalities, school districts, and other purchasers of health care, to negotiate lower prices with hospitals. This tool breaks down barriers, and helps purchasers and policymakers access the information they need to lower costs for consumers,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. Lt. Governor Primavera leads the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. 

    HB22-1285 – Prohibiting Collection Hospital Not Disclosing Prices, sponsored by Representatives Patrick Neville and Daneya Esgar, and Senators Dominick Moreno and John Cooke, prohibited hospitals from taking debt collection action against a patient if the hospital was not in compliance with federal reporting requirements. SB23-252 – Medical Price Transparency, sponsored by Senators Kevin Van Winkle and Julie Gonzales, and Representatives Lindsay Daugherty and Anthony Hartstook, requires hospitals to make reimbursement rates publicly accessible. The Administration recently announced that the landmark reinsurance initiative will save Coloradans $493 million on health care premiums in 2025. Without the reinsurance initiative, costs would be higher for hardworking Coloradans. 

    This new service provides Coloradans the ability to research all available prices at every hospital and shop for the care that works for individuals and families. The new and free tool shows the total price that the hospital charges each payer, although the final amount charged to Coloradans depends on each person’s insurance plan and coverage. Coloradans can learn more about the Colorado Hospital Price Finder and service rates at ColoradoHospitalPrices.com. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces $30 Million Investment for Infrastructure Improvements at State Parks

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, chairman of the State Bond Commission, today announced that the commission voted at its meeting this morning to approve an allocation of $30 million that will be used for infrastructure repairs and refurbishment needed across the Connecticut State Parks system, including $3 million that will be used to make critical repairs at state parks impacted by the extreme flash flooding event Connecticut experienced on August 18, 2024.

    This funding supports the Restore CT State Parks initiative, which is an historic effort by the Lamont administration and the state legislature to address the backlog of needed repairs across Connecticut’s 110 state parks and 32 state forests. Since 2022, the state has committed more than $70 million of American Rescue Plan Act and state bond funds to support investment in outdoor recreation across Connecticut.

    The August 18 flooding event caused serious damage at Larkin Trail State Park (Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Southbury), Kettletown State Park (Southbury), Southford Falls State Park (Southbury), and other outdoor recreational areas in the vicinity. This investment will support the most urgent repairs, including stabilizing affected areas to prevent future damage and addressing critical public safety concerns.

    “Our state parks and forests are a big part of our incredible quality of life in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “These destinations are also well-loved, welcoming an estimated 17 million visitors annually – that’s more than four times the population of Connecticut. We’re restoring our parks to ensure that residents and visitors now and into the future can have a wonderful outdoor recreation experience in Connecticut.”

    The Connecticut State Parks system is administered and maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

    “Thanks to the governor’s and the legislature’s historic commitment, we’ve already made significant progress addressing our backlog of repairs and refurbishment, completing dozens of projects with many more projects in process,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “From brand-new windows in the Heublein Tower, to terrace reconstruction at Gillette Castle, to a new boardwalk at Rocky Neck, and countless more projects, we’re delivering an improved parks experience for current and future visitors.”

    Under the Restore CT State Parks initiative, DEEP is working on projects across the state to improve ADA access, repair historic and cultural infrastructure, such as Gillette Castle, Fort Trumbull, and Heublein Tower; and address critical maintenance backlogs, such as paving and bathhouse and utility repairs.

    For more information on Restore CT State Parks, including a list of projects completed, in progress, or planned, click here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Baltimore, Maryland – Michael Sam Teekaye, Jr., age 21, of Hanover, Maryland has been charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2339B.  The defendant has been detained since his arrest on October 14, 2024, and had an initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Erin Aslan on October 15, 2024.

    The charges were announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

    According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, between March and April 2023, Teekaye had multiple conversations with an Undercover Officer (“UCO”) in which he told the UCO that he wanted to travel to Africa to join and fight for ISIS.  Teekaye also told the UCO that his “plan B” was to carry out an attack in the United States against people who support Israel.  On three occasions in May and June 2024, Teekaye purchased ammunition and range time at a shooting range in Severn, Maryland, which he later told the UCO was partly in order to “train.”  In July 2024, Teekaye attempted to purchase a Kalashnikov K-9 9mm rifle, but the purchase was denied because Teekaye was on probation in a state criminal case.

    In conversations with the UCO between August and October 2024, Teekaye told the UCO that he was in contact with a Somali ISIS fighter regarding his plans to travel to Somalia to join ISIS.  Teekaye explained that he would fly first to Turkey, then travel to Ethiopia and cross the border into Somalia.  Teekaye sent the UCO screenshots of an Ethiopian e-Visa he had obtained from the ISIS fighter. On October 4, 2024, Teekaye told the UCO that he received airline tickets from the ISIS fighter.  He also sent the UCO screenshots of his travel itinerary showing that he would depart from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) on October 14, 2024 and fly to Istanbul, Turkey with a layover in London.

    On October 10, 2024, Teekaye sent the UCO a photo of himself wearing a black mask and holding a large machete, along with the caption “Abdullah the islamophobe slayer.”  On October 11, 2024, the UCO asked whether Teekaye was “sure” he wanted to join ISIS.  Teekaye responded, “I am sure I did a lot of research and had to accept something’s [sic] that they are the only group that has the most true and sincere intentions.”

    On October 14, 2024, FBI agents arrested Teekaye at BWI after he had checked in for his flight and proceeded through security. Following his arrest, Teekaye made the following unprovoked statements, among others: “I’ll just get out in 20 years and do something here.  Okay? Okay?  It will never stop.  Jihad will never stop. . . . I’ll be like 40 when I get out, then I’ll just do it.  I don’t care.  It will never stop.  Jihad will never stop.  I’ll come and I’ll kill your soldiers.  I’ll kill you, and I’ll kill . . . .”  While making these statements, Teekaye began kicking one of the arresting agents.

    A complaint is not a finding of guilt.  All defendants charged by complaint are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceeding.  If convicted, Teekaye faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

    U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office for its outstanding work in the investigation and praised the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force along with the FBI’s Newark and Richmond Field Offices, and the New York City Police Department (NYPD), for their valuable assistance.  Mr. Barron would like to thank the NYPD’s Intelligence Division under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner, Assistant Chief John Hart, and Deputy Chief Fernando Guimaraes.  Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christina Hoffman and P. Michael Cunningham, who are prosecuting this case. Mr. Barron also thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division for their assistance.  

    For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach. To report a Maryland-based hate crime, contact the FBI Baltimore field office at (410) 265-8080 or http://www.tips.fbi.gov.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Crime

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jerrod Lee Sharp, 41, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, was sentenced on Monday, October 21, 2024, to 30 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor. Sharp must also register as a sex offender.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 17, 2022, Sharp began messaging a woman located in West Virginia whom he believed to be the mother of two minor girls. Sharp repeatedly stated in his messages to the woman that he wished to engage in sexual relations with both girls, and that he wished to travel to West Virginia to meet them.

    Sharp exchanged over 1,600 messages with the woman. On July 30, 2023, Sharp flew from Oklahoma to Charleston, West Virginia, where he planned to meet the woman and the two minor girls. Upon his arrival in Charleston, Sharp was arrested by law enforcement officers.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) West Virginia Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and the West Virginia State Police.

    United States District Judge Joseph Robert Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Francesca C. Rollo prosecuted the case.

    This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-126.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hay River — Hay River RCMP seize thousands in cash believed to be proceeds of crime

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 8th, 2024, officers of the Hay River detachment were on patrol when a vehicle was observed speeding. A traffic stop was conducted with the vehicle. Investigation led officers to believe the vehicle was being used to transport illicit cargo and the occupants were arrested.

    A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of over $9,000 in cash believed to be proceeds of crime relating to the illegal drug trade, as well as several cellphones and drug paraphernalia.

    As a result, 20-year-old Salim Abdullahi Abdi of Edmonton and 53-year-old Bruce Dowdeswell of Fort Simpson have been charged with Possession of property obtained by crime, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

    Abdullahi Abdi appeared before a Justice of the Peace and was subsequently remanded into custody. Dowdeswell was released on strict conditions to appear in court at a later date.

    Investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

    Anyone who has information on this matter is asked to contact the Hay River RCMP at 874-1111 or Crime Stoppers at http://www.p3tips.com. In the event of an emergency call, 911.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Yellowknife — Hay River RCMP recover stolen Yellowknife vehicle

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On the evening of October 7th, 2024, Yellowknife RCMP received a report that a vehicle had been stolen from a driveway in Yellowknife. Fortunately, the owner of the vehicle was able to use tracking technology to discover that the vehicle had subsequently left the city.

    With assistance from the owner, officers from the Hay River detachment were able to locate the vehicle in the hamlet of Enterprise, where it then fled from police. A short time later, the vehicle was located abandoned elsewhere in the community. Officers recovered a replica firearm from inside the vehicle. Two suspects were subsequently located and arrested in the area. They have since been released conditionally to appear in court at a later date.

    The investigation remains ongoing.

    Anyone with information on this matter is asked to contact the Yellowknife RCMP at 669-1111 or Crime Stoppers at http://www.p3tips.com. In the event of an emergency call, 911.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Yellowknife — Northwest Territories RCMP to participate in Operation Impact

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Each year, police services across the country participate in Operation Impact, a traffic safety initiative intended to target and reduce driving behaviors that put motorists and the public at risk.

    This year, Operation Impact will run from October 11th – October 14th, corresponding to the long weekend. During this period, motorists can expect to see increased police patrols as well as additional checkstops on roadways throughout the Territories.

    Be prepared to provide breath samples as part of Mandatory Alcohol Screening if you are stopped by police, along with all required driving documentation.

    Motor vehicle collisions kill or injure thousands of Canadians every year. The main causes of these collisions are impairment, distracted driving, aggressive driving behaviors and failure to utilize seatbelts, all of which are preventable.

    Residents of the Northwest Territories continue to feel the tragic effects of drivers who make the conscious decision to engage in these behaviors year after year. Make the right choice and plan ahead for safe travel this weekend. Safety is in every driver’s hands.

    If you suspect an impaired driver or see a vehicle posing an immediate safety hazard, pull over and call 911.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Montgomery County Restaurant Owner Sentenced to 21 Months’ Imprisonment for PPP and RRF Loan Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Giuseppina “Josephine” Leone, 62, of North Wales, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Gerald A. McHugh to 21 months in prison, one year of supervised release, a $50,000 fine and $300 special assessment for pandemic program fraud. The Court denied the defendant’s request for a non-custodial sentence. The defendant has also paid full restitution in the amount of $972,861.75.

    Leone was charged by indictment on May 16, 2024, with three counts of wire fraud for making false representations in documents relating to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Restaurant Revitalization Fund (“RRF”) program, which provided emergency financial assistance to business owners suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. She pleaded guilty to those charges on May 23.

    Leone and her husband were owners of Ristorante San Marco (“RSM”), an Italian restaurant located in Ambler, Pa. Leone and her husband executed an Agreement for Sale of Real Property dated October 20, 2019, listing themselves as the “Sellers” of the RSM property and a third party as the “Buyer” for a purchase price of $1,575,000. Subsequently, on or about March 18, 2020, Leone posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page informing the public that RSM would be temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. RSM remained closed and never reopened.

    Despite the restaurant not being in operation in April 2020, Leone submitted a fraudulent application for a PPP loan in the amount of $138,000. This application misrepresented that RSM, which had been closed for approximately a month, had 17 employees, and would use the loan for payroll and other operating expenses. The fraudulent application was approved, and the loan funds were deposited into RSM’s bank account later that month. The loan was subsequently forgiven based on further misrepresentations by Leone.

    In January 2021, while the restaurant was still not in operation, Leone submitted another fraudulent application for a PPP loan, this time seeking $120,000. The application made similar misrepresentations and was approved, resulting in the requested funds being deposited into RSM’s bank account in February 2021. Again, the PPP loan was forgiven due to misrepresentations by Leone.

    Finally, Leone defrauded another COVID-19 relief program. While RSM was still not in operation in May 2021, Leone submitted a fraudulent application for a grant under the RRF program, requesting $699,196 for restaurant operations. This RRF application mispresented that RSM, which had not been operating since March 2020, was in operation and that the money would be used to pay employee wages. As a result of this deception, the request was approved, and the funds were deposited into RSM’s bank account later in May 2021. One month later, in June 2021, Leone closed on the sale of RSM. Nonetheless, over a year later, Leone misrepresented to the federal government that the RRF funds had been used for eligible purposes, even though RSM was never reopened by Leone.

    “PPP and the other covid relief programs were meant to provide emergency aid to businesses and employees financially flattened by the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “My office and our partners won’t stand for opportunists like Mrs. Leone thinking they can defraud the federal government, pocket taxpayers’ money, and get away with it. We’ll continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute anyone foolish enough to do so.”

    The case was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angella Middleton.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Rochester, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

    James Gilmore, 35, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on June 9, 2021, law enforcement identified Gilmore operating a vehicle in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Gilmore due to an active arrest warrant related to a parole violation. Gilmore fled from the traffic stop, throwing a loaded firearm from the vehicle he was driving. Gilmore subsequently abandoned the vehicle, and officers observed him flee on foot. Officers recovered a gray sweatshirt from a yard where Gilmore ran, with forensic testing of both the sweatshirt and firearm revealing Gilmore’s DNA.

    At the time Gilmore possessed the firearm and ammunition, he had been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, including a firearm and drug trafficking crime in the Court of Common Pleas in Beaver County. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for February 11, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

    Pending sentencing, the court remanded Gilmore to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The New Brighton Area Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gilmore.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Transocean Ltd. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) announced today that it will report earnings for the third quarter 2024 on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

    The company will conduct a teleconference to discuss the results starting at 9 a.m. EDT, 2 p.m. CET, on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Individuals who wish to participate should dial +1 785-424-1226 approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and refer to conference code 827284.

    The teleconference will be simulcast in a listen-only mode at: http://www.deepwater.com, by selecting Investors, News, and Webcasts. A replay of the conference call will be available after 12 p.m. EDT, 5 p.m. CET, on October 31, 2024. The replay, which will be archived for approximately 30 days, can be accessed at +1 402-220-9184, passcode 827284. The replay also will be available on the company’s website.

    About Transocean

    Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. The company specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.

    Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 34 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 26 ultra-deepwater floaters and eight harsh environment floaters.

    For more information about Transocean, please visit: http://www.deepwater.com.

    Analyst Contact:
    Alison Johnson
    +1 713-232-7214

    Media Contact:
    Pam Easton
    +1 713-232-7647

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cape Girardeau Felon Admits Stealing Gun, Possessing Machine Guns

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    CAPE GIRARDEAU – A convicted felon on Tuesday admitted stealing a pistol from a Cape Girardeau County gun store and being caught days later with two machine guns.

    Dayvion Jyraud Parker, 21, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to five felonies: stealing a firearm from a licensed dealer, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of possession of a machine gun.

    Parker admitted that on June 17, 2024, he and another man stole a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol from a federally licensed firearm dealer in Cape Girardeau County. Parker first hid the pistol under his jacket before placing it between his back and the back of his wheelchair. On June 25, law enforcement officers performing a court-approved search of a home in Cape Girardeau found Parker lying on a bed with two pistols between the bed frame and the wall. Both pistols were equipped with auto sears, or “switches,” that rendered them fully automatic.

    Parker is a felon and is barred from possession firearms. He was also wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant and was on probation in Illinois for aggravated discharge of a firearm.

    Parker is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 28, 2025. The theft charge carries a potential penalty of up to 5 years in prison. The felon in possession charges each carry a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and the machine gun charge carries a potential 10-year prison term.

    Parker’s co-defendant, Danaje Raymond Webster, 23, has not yet been arrested. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is conservatism really on the rise in Canada? Blaine Higgs’ big loss in New Brunswick suggests not

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Noah Fry, PhD Candidate, Political Science, McMaster University

    Make no mistake, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs lost big on Monday night. The province’s voters delivered a forceful rebuke of Higgs’ Progressive Conservatives similar to the 1995 election, when the party won only six seats against Frank McKenna’s Liberals.

    This time, the PCs were reduced to 16 seats while the Liberals won 31. The Greens dropped to two seats.

    This seat count downplays the Liberals’ 13-point popular vote lead in a tough political environment.

    Historically, the Liberals have had inefficient support that’s been concentrated in safe francophone ridings. This time, they made inroads with anglophones beyond Moncton.

    Higgs, among Canada’s most socially conservative premiers, lost his own safe seat of Quispamsis, which was among the province’s most Conservative ridings in the 2020 election.

    The result was a referendum on Higgs’ brand of conservatism. Along with the failure of the resurgent Conservatives in British Columbia to win a clear victory on Oct. 19, Higgs’ loss challenges the narrative that conservatism is on the rise across Canada.



    Read more:
    Move over, Danielle Smith: What Canadians should know about New Brunswick’s Blaine Higgs

    Governing to the (far) right

    Since gaining power in 2018, Higgs embraced a neoconservative social agenda.

    Most notably, he triggered a national conversation on trans children’s recognition in schools. Using the language of “parental rights,” Higgs introduced parent consent restrictions for name and pronoun changes for children under 16.



    Read more:
    New Brunswick’s LGBTQ+ safe schools debate makes false opponents of parents and teachers

    Research shows trans children have high rates of suicidal ideation, especially when they’re not supported in how they identify.

    Over time, Higgs supported anti-trans and anti-sex education protesters, even as many advocates, parents and educators raised concerns about the safety and mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. He also refused to deny what’s known as the so-called kitty litter myth that falsely alleges students are allowed to identify as animals and use litter boxes.

    When confronted by parents about a safe-sex presentation slide for a high-school audience, Higgs banned the group that conducted the presentation.

    It didn’t end there. Higgs erroneously suggested an Indigenous nation sought to claim most of the province from property owners. In 2021, his government discouraged land acknowledgements by provincial employees. Higgs also argued that Indigenous people had already ceded their land.

    Taking aim at francophones, social issues

    Higgs’ relationship with francophones was just as bad. He refused to learn French in Canada’s only bilingual province after promising he would. He alleged he was unfairly targeted as an anglophone.

    When coming to power in 2018 with a minority government, Higgs weakened bilingual requirements for paramedic positions. Later, he controversially proposed ending French immersion programs, arguing it was unfair to “English Prime” students in the province.

    When he won a majority in 2020, Higgs lowered taxes on the highest income earners while constraining increases to health care and education.

    Higgs was successful in uniting the right. As a former leadership contender of the linguistic segregationist Confederation of Regions party, Higgs welcomed far-right People’s Alliance representatives to his party.

    But his tenure faced internal opposition. Atlantic conservatism tends to be closer to the political centre. Higgs’ Maritime counterparts, Premiers Dennis King of Prince Edward Island and Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, have largely avoided social issues.

    On the province’s Policy 713, also called the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity policy, six PCs voted with an opposition motion against the proposed changes. Four were cabinet ministers.

    Several ministers resigned from cabinet with letters blasting Higgs’ leadership.

    Almost half of PC riding associations sought a leadership review. They fell just short of the minimum needed to trigger a review.

    Most leaders recognize when their time was up. Not Higgs.

    An embattled campaign

    The PCs’ tumultuous time in government made for an uninspired campaign. Twelve of the 26 winning PC representatives from 2020 did not run again. In their place came more social conservatives who would not oppose Higgs.

    The PCs received bad news early. They were projected to fall short of their 2024-25 balanced budget aims.

    Still, Higgs campaigned on his fiscal management. He offered a two per cent HST cut as a reward. For some, this proposal rang as vote-buying from a government that could have pursued a sales tax cut at any point in its six-year tenure.

    The PCs campaigned on few other commitments. Their two-page platform made generic promises like “respect parents.” They also sought to “compel individuals into drug treatment” and “axe the carbon tax.”

    Meanwhile, the Liberals hammered the PCs on housing, health care and education. All three areas had been stressed by population growth and tight funding. Housing policy was a particular weakness given the PCs’ long-term resistance to rent caps and its record as a housing-starts laggard.

    Higgs’ confidence in his record was misplaced. While his social conservativism has an audience in New Brunswick, few saw it as a priority relative to the cost of living.

    His other campaign efforts made little difference. Higgs sought to make his opponent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He also stirred anti-immigration sentiment over federal asylum-seeker plans. Both efforts seemed desperate.

    Rejection of grievance politics?

    The Liberals’ return to power could be attributed to a referendum on Higgs. There is no doubt Higgs had personal defects that cost him his own riding.

    But his loss is more than a personal rejection. It also seems a rejection of a grievance politics that favours anger over substance.

    After repeatedly focusing on social issues over matters like housing, the grievances lost their allure. Even for the most steadfast Conservative voters, Higgs’ targeting of minorities came across as bullying.

    While Higgs may be the worst offender, he is not the only practitioner of grievance conservatism. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith play the same tune. Will their political fates be any different?

    Noah Fry does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Is conservatism really on the rise in Canada? Blaine Higgs’ big loss in New Brunswick suggests not – https://theconversation.com/is-conservatism-really-on-the-rise-in-canada-blaine-higgs-big-loss-in-new-brunswick-suggests-not-241971

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: AMGFC24 – Betazone: Keeping AI on Track

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    From bespoke gene editing to AI-powered healthcare, we are living in an age of breakthroughs propelled by advances in AI. What are the trade-offs societies and industries need to manage as AI adoption progresses?
    Speaker:

    Erik Brynjolfsson, Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Professor; Director, Digital Economy Lab, Stanford University
    Host:

    Zeina Soufan, Senior Anchor, Asharq News

    This is the full audio from a session at the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2024 in Dubai on 16, Oct, 2024. Watch it here: https://www.weforum.org/events/annual-meeting-of-the-global-future-councils-2024/sessions/keeping-ai-on-track/
    Links:

    Article based on this session: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/10/ai-augment-rather-than-dictate-human-action/
    Related podcasts:

    Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts (http://wef.ch/podcasts) :

    YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts) – https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts

    Radio Davos (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1504682164) : https://pod.link/1504682164

    Meet the Leader (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1534915560) : https://pod.link/1534915560

    Agenda Dialogues (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/agenda-dialogues) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1574956552) : https://pod.link/1574956552

    Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p77BEVba_i4

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark UK-Germany defence agreement to strengthen our security and prosperity

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A landmark defence agreement will be signed by Defence Secretary John Healey MP and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in London today in a major moment for NATO, and European security and prosperity. It is the first-of-its-kind agreement between the UK and Germany on defence.

    • Defence Secretary John Healey MP and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will sign the landmark Trinity House Agreement today (Wednesday 23 October), bringing the two nations closer together than ever before.

    • Agreement will boost the economy, investment, and jobs, paving the way for a new artillery gun barrel factory to open in the UK.

    • German aircraft will operate from Scotland as part of the agreement, bolstering European security.

    The signing of the Trinity House Agreement marks a fundamental shift in the UK’s relations with Germany and for European security. This agreement between Europe’s two biggest defence spenders will strengthen national security and economic growth in the face of growing Russian aggression and increasing threats.

    The new partnership will help drive investment into the UK – with the agreement paving the way for a new artillery gun barrel factory to be opened in the UK, supporting more than 400 jobs and nearly half a billion-pounds boost to the British economy. The opening of the Rheinmetall factory will see the UK manufacture artillery gun barrels for the first time in 10 years, using British steel produced by Sheffield Forgemasters.

    The deal will see the UK and Germany work together systemically for years to come on a range of ground-breaking defence projects and across all domains (air, land, sea, space and cyber). This includes working jointly to rapidly develop brand-new extended deep strike weapons that can travel further with more precision than current systems, including Storm Shadow.

    It will bring the two nation’s defence industries closer than ever, including a long-term commitment to manufacturing Boxer armoured vehicles, supporting skilled jobs across the UK. The deal also aims to support and expanded complex weapons development in the UK, laying a path for Sting Ray Torpedoes procurement.

    The Trinity House Agreement includes:

    • New long-range strike weapons – working jointly to rapidly develop a new system that can fire even further and be more precise in its targeting than any current system.

    • New boost for British industry – a new large calibre gun manufacturing facility in the UK, supporting more than 400 jobs, and planned to use British steel, bringing nearly half a billion-pound economic boost to the UK over 10 years.

    • New cooperation to strengthen the Eastern Flank – the armies training and exercising more together, using the front as a catalyst for developing new ways of fighting.

    • Land Industrial Cooperation – cooperation on Boxer armed vehicles and kickstarting collaboration of land-based drones.

    • Protecting critical underwater infrastructure – working together to protect the vital cables in the seabed on the North Sea. This includes exploring new offboard undersea surveillance capabilities to improve detection of adversary activity.

    • German planes in Scotland – German P8 aircraft will periodically operate out of Lossiemouth to help protect the North Atlantic.

    • New drones – working towards drones that could operate alongside our fighter jets, as well as drones that can be used by other military force.

    • Exploration and development of new Maritime Uncrewed Air System capabilities.

    • New Ukraine support – new joint work to enable German Sea King helicopters to be armed with modern missile systems as well as work on capability coalitions.

    • Joint work with partners to integrate air defence systems to better protect European air space against the threat of long-range missiles, building on work agreed at the NATO Defence Ministers meeting just last week.

    The agreement is a key example of the Government delivering on its commitment to reset relations with European allies and bolster national security. It will be signed less than 100 days after the Defence Secretary visited Berlin to kick off negotiations in July and is the first pillar in a wider UK-Germany treaty pledged by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The Trinity House Agreement is a milestone moment in our relationship with Germany and a major strengthening of Europe’s security.

    It secures unprecedented levels of new cooperation with the German Armed Forces and industry, bringing benefits to our shared security and prosperity, protecting our shared values and boosting our defence industrial bases.

    This landmark agreement delivers on the Government’s manifesto commitment to strike a new defence relationship with Germany – less than four months since winning the election in July – and we will build on this new cooperation in the months and years ahead.

    I pay tribute to our negotiating teams who have worked hard at pace to deliver this.

    German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said:

    The UK and Germany are moving closer together. With projects across the air, land, sea, and cyber domains, we will jointly increase our defence capabilities, thereby strengthening the European pillar within NATO. We can only strengthen our ability to act together. This is why our cooperation projects are open to other partners.

    We must not take security in Europe for granted. Russia is waging war against Ukraine, it is increasing its weapons production immensely and has repeatedly launched hybrid attacks on our partners in Eastern Europe.

    With the Trinity House Agreement, we are showing that the NATO Allies have recognised what these times require and are determined to improve their deterrence and defence capabilities. As it lays the foundation for future projects, the Trinity House Agreement is an important contribution to this. It is particularly important to me that we cooperate even more closely to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and to close critical capability gaps, for instance in the field of long-range strike weapons.

    Armin Papperger, CEO and Chairman of Rheinmetall AG commented that:

    Rheinmetall’s investment in the gun hall reflects a forward-looking approach to innovation, collaboration, and national defence. It ensures the UK remains a leader in developing and manufacturing defence technologies that safeguard both national and global security.

    Gary Nutter, Chief Executive Officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said:

    I am delighted to confirm that Sheffield Forgemasters will reinstate gun barrels manufacture after a 20-year hiatus, to supply large-calibre gun-barrels to Germany’s Rheinmetall AG, servicing UK defence contracts and exports.

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    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Statement on Gulf Coast Passenger Service Grant Approval

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    WASHINGTON – Today, an agreement was reached among stakeholders on the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant which will provide crucial funding to restore passenger rail service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The $178,435,333 grant was previously awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration.

    U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has used his position as Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee to restore the return of passenger rail to the Gulf Coast for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. While serving as chairman, he helped negotiate the infrastructure bill which is the origin of the CRISI Grant.

    Senator Wicker released the following statement:

    “I appreciate the partnership shared by local and state government officials and the freight rail companies, CSX, and Norfolk Southern. This service will provide economic opportunities to the Gulf Coast Region and provide an alternative way to move people safely. Years of hard work and cooperation have brought us to this important moment,” Senator Wicker said.

    Scheduled to resume in 2025, the services are expected to provide economic growth opportunities, boost tourism, and reduce traffic on our roadways. Two trains will run roundtrip from New Orleans to Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula.

    A groundbreaking ceremony was held today in Mobile for the layover track, where a train is stored when not in use. That piece of the project had been one of the remaining hurdles to restoring the route.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown, UAW Workers, Cleveland-Cliffs, and Zanesville Mayor Don Mason Tout Successful Fight to Save Local Jobs by Fixing Misguided Biden Administration Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown

    ZANESVILLE, OH – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined Zanesville Mayor Don Mason and UAW workers to highlight his successful fight pushing the Biden Administration to fix a flawed electrical distribution transformer regulation that would have cost Ohioans’ jobs and devastated U.S. electrical steel manufacturers—including Ohio-based Cleveland-Cliffs. Cleveland-Cliffs makes grain-oriented electrical steel used to form the cores of electric distribution and power transformers and non-grained-oriented steel used in other end uses at its Zanesville plant.

    The Administration’s rule would have required all new transformers to be produced with a different kind of steel metal that’s almost entirely manufactured overseas – rather than what’s known as grain-oriented electric steel, which Cleveland-Cliffs produces in Ohio, at its Zanesville plant, and in Pennsylvania.

    “This was a bipartisan effort with the mayor, UAW, Cleveland-Cliffs, and other Ohioans,” said Brown. “Together we got the Biden Administration to back down, saving union jobs in Zanesville. I will always go to bat for Ohio workers and Ohio businesses, and stand up to anyone who threatens our jobs.”

    “Senator Brown understands that the United States cannot become reliant on countries like Japan, China and Mexico for our energy security. That’s why he fought back against the Department of Energy’s flawed transformer rule and helped achieved changes to the regulation that will preserve utilization of GOES in transformers.  Because of Senator Brown’s successful advocacy, Cleveland-Cliffs is now making investments in the production of electrical steel and preserving good-paying, UAW jobs at Zanesville Works,” said Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President & CEO, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. 

    “The hard-working people of the Zanesville community appreciate the efforts and support of Senator Sherrod Brown and other federal legislators. Those successful efforts persuaded the Department of Energy to back off their proposal and will keep well-paying American  jobs in Zanesville,” said Zanesville Mayor Don Mason. “Without those efforts, materials and supplies for the transmission grid and industry would have shifted from reliable domestic sources to unreliable offshore sources. Those efforts also support reliability in the delivery of electricity to businesses and homes at a time when reliability is most needed. Furthermore, those successful efforts support the continued investment by American companies in American cities and American workers.”

    “I would like to thank Cleveland-Cliffs, our UAW leaders, and our elected officials, especially Senator Sherrod Brown, and Mayor Don Mason, who represent us and have fought against regulations that would have closed our plant, by forcing transformers manufacturers away from the Grain Oriented Electrical steel that we finish here at Zanesville,” said Eric Spiker, President, UAW Local 4104. “We are not the only ones that benefit from the work that the Senator has done. The communities that surround us, the State, and the country as well benefit.”

    Brown joined Ohio manufacturers, Ohio workers, and rural electric co-ops to fight the regulation. His push—which included proposing the bipartisan Distribution Transformer Efficiency & Supply Chain Reliability Act of 2024 with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)—led the Biden administration to correct major deficiencies in the proposed rule. This bill was built upon another bipartisan Senate effort from last June when Brown, Cruz, and Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) sent a bipartisan letter to Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, signed by an additional 13 Democrats and 32 Republicans, calling on the Department to fix the proposed regulations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cuellar Announces $562,500 in Federal Funding to Expand Pleasanton Police Department

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

    Pleasanton, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $562,500 in federal funding to expand Pleasanton Police Department.  

    “The COPS Hiring Program is the reason many of our communities can hire the officers we rely on to keep our communities safe,” said Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that our communities are safe and that our brave police officers get the support they need.” 

    This federal funding was awarded to the City of Pleasanton from the Department of Justice’s Office of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). This award is administered through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) and will be used to hire five new police officers in Pleasanton.  

    Pleasanton will utilize the new officers to promote safety and police effectiveness in the city. The five new officers added through the COPS program will increase the department’s total to 30 officers. 

    The COPS program provides grants, training, and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies across the country as they work to reduce violent crime.   

    The COPS Hiring Program pays up to 75% of entry-level officer salary and up to $125,000 per position, with three years of funding over a five-year period. Local agencies must match at least 25% of the funding awarded.   

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Rule to Boost Consumer Rights and Privacy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

    Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement in response to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010:

    “I’m pleased the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking this critical step to strengthen consumer rights, privacy, and competition in the financial services industry. By giving Americans greater control over their personal data, this new rule empowers consumers to switch to better providers without facing unnecessary barriers and fees. This will allow families to make better financial choices. 

    “But we must do more to include those who have been historically shut out of the banking system. Our most vulnerable communities, including those who rely on Electronic Benefits Transfer cards to access nutritional assistance, deserve the same protections. Expanding this rule to include Electronic Benefits Transfer card users would ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, benefits from these safeguards. I urge the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to work with all appropriate agencies to expand these protections.”

    The rule requires financial institutions, credit card issuers, and other financial providers to unlock an individual’s personal financial data and transfer it to another provider at the consumer’s request for free. Consumers will be able to more easily switch to providers with superior rates and services. By fueling competition and consumer choice, the rule will help lower prices on loans and improve customer service across payments, credit, and banking markets.

    Today’s rule ensures consumers will be able to access and share data associated with bank accounts, credit cards, mobile wallets, payment apps, and other financial products. It aims to address market concentration that limits consumer choice over financial products and services. Consumers will be able to access, or authorize a third party to access, data such as transaction information, account balance information, information needed to initiate payments, upcoming bill information, and basic account verification information. Financial providers must make this information available without charging fees.

    The rule also establishes strong privacy protections, requiring that personal financial data can only be used for the purposes requested by the consumer. It ensures that third parties cannot use consumer data for other purposes that benefit the third party, but that consumers do not want. It also helps move the industry away from “screen scraping,” a still common but risky practice that typically involves consumers providing their account passwords to third parties who use them to access data indiscriminately through online banking portals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government to overhaul anti-money laundering regime

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government will introduce a single supervisor and a new funding model in a major overhaul of New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.

    “Cabinet has approved an AML/CFT reform work programme which will change the supervisor structure that monitors AML/CFT compliance and introduce a new funding model for the system. These reforms will allow the system to be more responsive to industry and community needs, more agile, and more focused on the real risks posed by anti-money laundering to New Zealand businesses.

    “The changes will deliver a critical Government priority to reform key sectors where the cost of regulation is overly burdensome for businesses and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the AML/CFT system to meet international standards.”

    The Government is introducing the changes following a Financial Action Task Force evaluation of New Zealand’s regulatory regime and a subsequent review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.

    A single-supervisor model will replace the current three-supervisor model and will establish the Department of Internal Affairs as the sole supervisor of the AML/CFT system.  Currently, supervision of different parts of the AML/CFT system are overseen by the Reserve Bank, Financial Markets Authority, and Internal Affairs.

    “The Government is very aware of the risks money-laundering and financing of terrorism poses to New Zealand businesses and moving to a single supervisor will improve the efficiency of the system, establish a more risk-based approach, and enable more timely provision of guidance and support. I have heard from businesses that this will provide substantive regulatory relief,” Mrs McKee says. 

    “In considering how to improve the supervisory model, I will be focusing on how the positive effects can be felt as soon as possible, such as ensuring work on industry guidance and codes of practice starts promptly.”

    “The Government will also introduce a new sustainable funding model for the AML/CFT system as part of the reforms. The funding model will establish an industry-levy to support a flexible and coordinated system that will deliver sector benefits. The levy will be designed to ensure that costs are equitable and reasonable for the sector and will not place undue burden on small businesses.” 

    An AML/CFT National Strategy and work programme will be introduced as part of the funding model. Legislation will require any amendments to the levy to be informed by the National Strategy and work programme. 

    “This work programme will be developed in partnership with industry and agreed by Cabinet to ensure that the AML/CFT system is focussed on industry priorities. The new funding model will mean better and more efficient regulation, supervision, and support for industry.

    “The changes will ensure New Zealand maintains its international reputation and will align our AML/CFT system with the financial sectors of our key trading partners to support trade, investment and economic growth.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Resetting the Emissions Trading Scheme annual charge for post-1989 forestry participants

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    Your views sought

    We want your feedback on 2 proposals relating to cost recovery settings for forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) participants. We anticipate that changes would be made by early 2025.

    • Proposal 1: A reduced annual charge for post-1989 forestry ETS participants.
    • Proposal 2: Amending the Climate Change (Forestry) Regulations 2022 for the field measurement approach during the 2023–25 reporting period.

    As part of this consultation, we are holding 2 webinars and an online hui.

    Summaries of the proposals are on this page and full details are in the discussion paper.

    Submissions are open from 23 October until 5pm on 13 November 2024.

    About Proposal 1

    If you have post-1989 forest land in the ETS, the per hectare annual charge is calculated for the financial year. It’s based on the amount of land you have in the ETS on 1 July.

    We are proposing to reduce the per hectare annual charge from $30.25 to $14.90, starting in the 2024–25 financial year.

    About Proposal 2

    Forestry participants with at least 100 hectares of post-1989 forest land in the ETS have to use the field measurement approach to calculate carbon stored in their forests for their emissions returns.

    When the previous (2023) cost recovery regulations were enacted, they imposed a service fee. The fee resulted in additional costs for those who could use their existing field measurement approach data or use default carbon tables to calculate carbon stock, during the shorter 2023–25 reporting period.

    To address this issue, we are proposing to update the regulations. This means, that for any emissions return that covers all or part of the shorter 2023–25 reporting period, people using the field measurement approach can calculate carbon stock using:

    • the default carbon tables (in regulations) if they do not have field measurement approach participant specific tables, or
    • existing participant specific tables if they have them.

    Discussion paper

    Resetting the Emissions Trading Scheme annual charge for post-1989 forestry participants [doc: 65715]

    Webinars on the proposals

    To support this consultation, we are running 2 webinars and an online hui. These sessions will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss the proposals. The online hui is a dedicated session for whenua Māori to give feedback on the proposals. You must register to attend the webinars or hui. 

    Times and dates of the webinars and the hui

    Webinar 1: 4pm on Thursday 31 October 2024.

    Register to attend Webinar 1 – Connect

    Webinar 2: 12pm on Thursday 7 November 2024.

    Register to attend Webinar 2 – Connect

    Online hui: 12pm on Monday 4 November 2024.

    Register to attend the online hui – Connect

    Making your submission

    Send us your feedback on the proposals in the consultation document by 5pm on 13 November 2024.

    We would prefer if you made a submission electronically – either by using the online form or by email. However, we will also accept written submissions sent by post.

    You are welcome to make your submission on the whole discussion document, or you can choose the areas relevant to you. Provide supporting evidence with your submission where possible.

    Online

    Online submission form – Alchemer

    Email

    If you are sending us a submission by email, we encourage you to use the submission template which has the same questions as the online form. 

    Submission template [doc: 65718]

    The email address is etsforestrychanges@mpi.govt.nz

    Post

    If you prefer to make your submission in writing, send it to:

    NZ ETS Cost Recovery
    Forestry System Directorate
    Ministry for Primary Industries
    PO Box 2526
    Wellington 6140.

    Submissions are public information

    Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

    People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

    If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

    Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: O2Gold Announces C$1.5M Non-Brokered Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S.

    TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O2Gold Inc. (NEX:OTGO.H) (“O2Gold” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement financing of: (i) 15,000,000 subscription receipts of the Company (the “Subscription Receipts”) at a price per Subscription Receipt of C$0.05; and (ii) 15,000,000 flow-through subscription receipts of the Company (the “FT Subscription Receipts”) at a price per FT Subscription Receipt of C$0.05, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of C$1,500,000 (together, the “Offering”).

    The Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts will be created and issued pursuant to the terms of subscription receipt agreements (each, a “Subscription Receipt Agreement“) between the Company and the subscribers. Each Subscription Receipt and FT Subscription Receipt will be deemed to be automatically converted, without payment of additional consideration or further action by the holder thereof, into one unit of the Company (a “Unit“) and one flow-through unit of the Company (a “FT Unit”), respectively, immediately upon the satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below) at or before the date that is 120 days from the closing date of the Offering (the “Escrow Release Deadline”).

    Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a “Common Share”) and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a “Type 1 Warrant”). Each Type 1 Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Common Share (a “Type 1 Warrant Share”) at a price of C$0.08 per Type 1 Warrant Share for a period of 36 months following the closing date of the Offering. Each FT Unit will consist of one flow-through common share in the capital of the Company (a “FT Share”) and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a “Type 2 Warrant”). Each Type 2 Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Common Share (a “Type 2 Warrant Share”) at a price of C$0.08 per Type 2 Warrant Share for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Offering. Each FT Share shall qualify as a “flow-through share” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”).

    The gross proceeds from the sale of FT Subscription Receipts will be used by the Company to incur eligible “Canadian exploration expenses” that will qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures” as such terms are defined in the Tax Act (the “Qualifying Expenditures”) related to the Company’s project in Quebec. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the FT Subscription Receipts effective December 31, 2024. The net proceeds from the sale of Subscription Receipts will be used by the Company for general working capital and corporate purposes, and for exploration costs incurred at the Company’s project in Quebec.

    Upon closing of the Offering, the gross proceeds of the Offering will be deposited in escrow with the Company’s legal counsel pending satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions, in accordance with the provisions of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied at or before the Escrow Release Deadline, each of the then issued and outstanding Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts will be cancelled and the Company’s legal counsel will return to each holder of Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate issue price of the Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts held by such holder. To the extent that the escrowed funds are insufficient to refund such amounts to each holder of the Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts, the Company shall be liable for and will contribute such amounts as are necessary to satisfy the shortfall.

    Pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement, each Subscription Receipt and FT Subscription Receipt shall automatically convert into one Unit and one FT Unit, respectively, upon:

    (a)  the receipt of all required regulatory approvals in connection with the uplisting of the Common Shares from the NEX to Tier 2 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”);

    (b)  the receipt of all required regulatory approvals in connection with the conditional listing approval by the Exchange for the listing of the Common Shares and FT Shares issued under the Offering, together with the listing of the Type 1 Warrant Shares and Type 2 Warrant Shares upon exercise of the Type 1 Warrants and Type 2 Warrants, respectively; and

    (c)  the Company having delivered a notice to the Company’s legal counsel confirming that all escrow release conditions have been met or waived;

    (collectively, the “Escrow Release Conditions”).

    The Offering is subject to the receipt of all regulatory approvals including the approval of the Exchange. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance. The Offering is expected to close on or about November 13, 2024, or such other date as determined by the Company.

    The Company may pay finders’ fees of up to 7.0% of the gross proceeds raised by the Company from the sale of Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts to subscribers directly introduced to the Company by eligible finders. The Company may issue to eligible finders non-transferable finders’ warrants of up to 7.0% of the number of Subscription Receipt and FT Subscription Receipts sold in the Offering. Each finders’ warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Unit at a price of the greater of (i) C$0.05 and (ii) the Discounted Market Price (as such term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) of the common shares of the Company as of the date hereof per Unit for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful prior to registration under U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities laws or an exemption therefrom or qualification under the securities laws of such other jurisdiction or an exemption therefrom, respectively.

    About O2Gold

    O2Gold is a mineral exploration company.
    For additional information, please contact:
    Scott Moore, Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: (416) 861-1685
    Email: smoore@miningsm.com

    Regulatory Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Offering, including the Company’s intended use of proceeds, closing conditions and timing, and other matters related thereto. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future mineral prices and market demand; accidents, labour disputes and shortages and other risks of the mining industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces Risk Rating Change for NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) announced today that it has changed the risk rating for NVIDIA (NVDA) Yield Shares Purpose ETF (the “Fund”) from “medium-to-high” to “high”. Such change is a result of the risk rating methodology mandated by the Canadian Securities Administrators and the periodic review by Purpose to determine the risk level of its publicly-offered mutual funds.

    No material changes have been made to the investment objective, strategies or management of the Fund as a result. The change of the risk rating will be reflected in the Fund’s offering documents, which will be completed in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    About Purpose Investments

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with approximately $20 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the securities referred to herein. This press release is not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to US news wire services.

    The MIL Network –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Announce $10 Million to Improve Marlette Lake Dam’s Infrastructure and Resiliency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced the State of Nevada will receive a $10 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance the safety and functionality of the Marlette Lake Dam, reducing the risk of a dam breach during an earthquake.

    “I am proud to see these federal funds come into our state to make essential improvements to the Marlette Lake Dam and better resist an earthquake,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These funds will help protect our water supply in Storey County and Carson City while keeping Nevadans safe and healthy. I’ll keep working with Senator Rosen to continue modernizing Nevada’s infrastructure and ensuring Nevadans have the resources they need to recover from natural disasters.”

    “When we invest in Nevada’s infrastructure, we are investing in the safety of our local communities and helping create good-paying jobs,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to announce that $10 million in federal funding is coming to Northern Nevada to upgrade the Marlette Lake Dam and help make it more resilient against future earthquakes. I’ll continue fighting to ensure Nevada gets its fair share of resources to keep our communities safe.”

    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen worked to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to create good-paying jobs and upgrade Nevada’s infrastructure. They are committed to ensuring Nevadans have access to resources in the face of natural disasters. Both Senators successfully pushed President Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for numerous counties in Nevada in the wake of unprecedented winter storms. Senator Cortez Masto and Rosen also joined their colleagues in asking the White House for federal funds to help Nevada fight wildfires and extreme drought. Cortez Masto is leading legislation protect electric grids at military bases from the effects of extreme weather. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ joins UK initiative for AI safety

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is joining the UK’s Bletchley Declaration on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, and for Digitising Government Judith Collins says.

    “AI used responsibly can be a game changer for New Zealand, supporting productivity, innovation, and economic development,” Ms Collins says

    “The UK’s Bletchley Declaration is an important international agreement which affirms the potential that AI offers for society and for economies. To achieve this, AI must be designed, developed, deployed and used responsibly and safely, and in a manner that is people-focused and can be trusted. 

    “In May we signed the Seoul Ministerial Statement for Advancing AI Safety which, coupled with the Bletchley Declaration and Cabinet’s confirmed approach to AI being in accordance with the OECD’s AI Principles, solidifies our focus on the responsible use of AI.   

    “Important safety standards and pressure will be applied on the international stage, and New Zealand is proud to be part of global efforts towards responsible AI.” 

    The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has developed an initial cross-portfolio which focuses on policy changes, while the Department of Internal Affairs’ Government Chief Digital Officer is leading work to support public sector agencies to explore safe use of AI for efficiency and service delivery improvements.  

    “The Government will next year consult publicly on a national AI strategy to encourage greater use of AI to deliver better results for New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.

    “I am confident that all the work under way will form a coherent approach to AI in New Zealand – delivering greater productivity, innovation and growing New Zealand’s economy to benefit all New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: G20 meetings in the United States

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    I will join key economic ministers and central bank governors from the world’s most significant economies at the G20, International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings over the coming days in Washington DC.

    Australia is not immune from the volatility and vulnerability which characterises the global economy.

    The risk of further escalation in the Middle East threatens a resurgence in oil prices and casts a dark shadow over the global outlook.

    Conflict in the Middle East compounds the pressures already coming at us from the war in Ukraine, the slowdown in China, persistent global inflation, tepid global growth and sharp movements on stock markets.

    There is always a premium on responsible economic management and engagement but especially now, with all this uncertainty around the world.

    This is a really critical time to confer with colleagues and counterparts.

    There will be in‑depth discussions on the global economy, the energy transformation, economic security and reform of our multilateral institutions.

    This will include meetings with:

    • New Japanese Finance Minister Katsonobu Kato, who I will meet for the first time;
    • US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, for our sixth bilateral;
    • Chair of the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell;
    • Director of President Biden’s National Economic Council Lael Brainard;
    • South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Choi Sang‑Mok; and
    • Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

    I will participate in discussions as part of the G20 Taskforce on a Global Mobilisation Against Climate Change. Our focus will be on attracting the capital we need to create new jobs and opportunities in the transformation to cleaner and cheaper energy.

    I’ll also have an opportunity to be briefed on Australia’s interests in the United States by Ambassador Kevin Rudd.

    Responsible economic management is a defining feature of the Albanese Labor Government in these uncertain times.

    Our Budget surpluses aren’t an end in themselves, they help in the fight against inflation, provide room for our priorities and they help build buffers against some of this global volatility.

    Getting inflation down, helping with the cost of living, repairing the Budget and reforming our economy are the essential components of our strategy and we are making welcome progress.

    In a little over two years we have halved inflation, created a million new jobs, got real wages growing again, provided tax relief to every taxpayer, delivered the first back‑to‑back surpluses in two decades, avoided $150 billion of inherited debt and saved tens of billions of dollars in interest costs.

    These meetings will provide important perspectives on the global outlook and allow us to make further progress at home and with our key international partners.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 24, 2025
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