Category: KB

MIL-OSI USA: Barr, Supporting Market Resilience and Financial Stability

Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

Thank you, and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today.1
It is great to be here again, particularly because this year marks the 10th annual conference on the Treasury market, a milestone that is worth celebrating. I want to acknowledge the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for its leadership in this area, including the dedication and excellence it has brought to hosting this conference over the past decade, in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Working Group on Treasury Market Surveillance, led by the Treasury Department. The Treasury market is the means by which our government meets its financing needs in service to the American people, and it is also the bedrock of the financial system. Promoting the resilience of the Treasury market and ensuring it can continue to fulfill these roles requires the collaboration of agencies and individuals across the government along with the private sector.
As others have pointed out today, we have made important progress since last year’s conference. The Securities and Exchange Commission has finalized a rule on central clearing of Treasury transactions, the Treasury Department has instituted a program for buying back less-liquid Treasury securities, and the Office of Financial Research is preparing for its permanent collection of data on non-centrally-cleared bilateral repurchase agreement (repo) transactions, which will support our understanding of this market segment as it evolves.
I will share some thoughts with you on how I see the work of the Federal Reserve in supporting Treasury market resilience. Our capital and liquidity regulations, our supervision of the firms over which we have authority, and our liquidity facilities play important roles in supporting market resilience and financial stability. Earlier this month, I gave a speech where I reiterated the crucial role of capital in serving these objectives, and the need to balance resilience and efficiency in designing our rules. In that speech, I also outlined the elements of a capital re-proposal that I believe will have broad consensus at the Federal Reserve Board. The adjustments are in response to a robust public comment process, and some of them are designed to address interactions and market functioning concerns raised by commentators.
In terms of rulemaking, today I will focus on some additional aspects of our regulatory framework—namely, enhancements to our liquidity regulations. I will share some perspective on how our liquidity regulations work together and are supportive of market functioning and the smooth implementation of monetary policy.
The Intersection of Monetary Policy Tools and Supervision and RegulationWe consider how all of the Fed’s tools work together to support our objectives. In previous speeches, I have talked about the role of the discount window and the standing repo facility (SRF) in supporting both monetary policy implementation and financial stability, noting how important it is that eligible institutions be ready to use these facilities.2 Today I want to dig into this topic a bit more, including how these tools support monetary policy implementation through appropriate incorporation into liquidity regulations and supervisory practices.
After the banking stress in March 2023, we saw a substantial improvement among banks of all sizes in their level of readiness to tap the discount window both in taking the necessary steps for set-up and in their pledging of collateral. Since that time, over $1 trillion in additional collateral has been pledged to the discount window, and additional banks have established access to the SRF. Both of these facilities are potential venues for monetizing assets and raising liquidity to address volatility in private funding market rates or gaps in the availability of private-market funding.
We had been hearing that some were confused about how banks could incorporate ready access to the discount window and the SRF into their contingency funding plans and internal liquidity stress tests. Supervisors have a role in assessing the viability of large banks’ plans to meet stressed outflows in their stress scenarios, and we have been asked whether the discount window, the SRF, and also Federal Home Loan Bank advances can play a role in those scenarios. The answer to this question is “yes.”
We provided clarity to the public in August on permissible assumptions for how firms can incorporate the discount window and the SRF into their internal liquidity stress-test scenarios. There are a couple of principles that underlie our response in the frequently asked questions we posted on the Board’s website.3 One principle is that our tools are readily available to firms. This means that we see it as acceptable and beneficial for firms to incorporate our facilities to meet liquidity needs in both planning and practice. If firms plan to use our facilities, we expect them to demonstrate ex ante that they are fully capable of doing so, including through test transactions. An additional principle underlying our approach is that, while firms should be ready to use a range of funding sources, firms need to hold sufficient highly liquid assets to meet their potential liquidity needs. That is, they need to self-insure against their own liquidity risks. A third principle is that firms should be ready and able to use private channels to turn these assets into cash, in addition to any public channels they may plan to use.
I want to dig a bit deeper into the benefits to both individual firms and the financial system when firms incorporate Fed facilities into their stress preparedness planning. Again, a design feature of our liquidity regulations is that large banks must self-insure against major liquidity risks. Our regulations also provide flexibility in terms of the portfolio composition such banks use to do so. This flexibility allows them to adjust their portfolios based on market conditions and firm needs. A key component of this flexibility is that reserves and certain high-quality liquid assets (HQLA), such as Treasury securities, are equivalent in terms of being treated as the highest quality of liquid assets. This feature is important because, while it allows firms to manage their liquidity buffers more flexibly, it also allows for greater flexibility in our monetary policy implementation and it supports market functioning. We have heard over the years, however, that the degree of substitutability among these assets has been limited by concerns about capacity in stress for the market to turn securities into reserves immediately; these concerns are valid. This constraint can be addressed in part by the appropriate incorporation of Federal Reserve facilities into monetization plans in firms’ internal liquidity stress tests.
When firms understand that they will not be fully constrained by the capacity of private markets or their individual credit lines to monetize HQLA immediately in stress, they can reduce their demand for reserves in favor of Treasury securities, all else being equal, for their stress planning purposes. This dynamic improves the substitutability of holding reserves and holding Treasury securities either outright or through repo transactions.
When banks exhibit a high degree of substitutability of demand for these assets, money market functioning improves. Let me explain with an example. If a bank sees holding reserves and investing in Treasury repo as near substitutes in its liquidity portfolio, it should lend into Treasury repo markets when repo rates rise above the interest rate earned on reserves. When banks can nimbly adjust portfolios in response to price incentives, the efficiency of reserves redistribution through the system improves, and market functioning is enhanced.
In aggregate, this activity can prevent rates from rising further, all else being equal. The point at which banks, in aggregate, have a relatively immutable demand for reserves, and are unwilling to lend them out, is evident when a small decrease in the supply of reserves results in a sharp increase in the cost to borrow them. Our monetary policy tools are well positioned to help us avoid this outcome. But, of course, greater willingness of banks to reallocate across close substitutes should help avoid the emergence of sudden pressures in money markets by reducing money market frictions.
In 2021, the Federal Reserve launched the SRF, which, along with the discount window, should help cap upward pressure in repo markets that could spill over into the federal funds market. Use of these facilities also increases the supply of reserves in the system. The enhanced clarity for firms that Fed facilities are a fully acceptable venue to get same-day liquidity for their HQLA should help reassure firms about holding reserves and their close substitutes, such as Treasury securities, in their liquidity portfolios.
Of course, as I stated earlier, for the largest banks, there is a requirement that they hold highly liquid assets to address their own liquidity risks. They must also be ready to use private markets to monetize these assets. It is also critical that banks recognize and manage the interest rate and liquidity risk of their securities portfolios to ensure those securities held for liquidity purposes can be monetized in stress without creating other adverse effects on a firm’s safety and soundness. In 2022 and 2023, certain large banks did not effectively manage the risks of rising rates, and suffered significant fair value losses on their securities holdings, including those in held-to-maturity (HTM) portfolios. These losses affected their ability to respond to liquidity stress, as monetizing the assets could result in realizing losses. When the banking stress hit in March 2023, these securities could not be sold to meet stressed outflows because large unrealized losses inhibited their sale without significant capital implications. This is further complicated in the case of HTM securities, which cannot be sold without risking revaluing a firm’s entire HTM portfolio. Selling HTM securities to generate liquidity would therefore have had a particularly large effect on these firms’ capital levels, likely increasing the stress on these firms. Further, some firms were unable to rely on private channels such as repo markets for monetization because they were not prepared, they were not regular participants in the market, and market participants were unwilling to lend because of counterparty credit concerns. This combination of factors meant that HTM securities that had been identified by banks as available to serve as a liquidity buffer of assets in stress could not effectively serve that function.
Improvements to Our Liquidity RegulationsAs I have mentioned in previous speeches, to address the lessons about liquidity learned in the spring of 2023, we are exploring targeted adjustments to our current liquidity framework.4 Many firms have taken steps to improve their liquidity resilience, and the regulatory adjustments we are considering would ensure that large banks maintain better liquidity risk–management practices going forward. Improvements to our liquidity regulations will also complement the other components of our supervisory and regulatory regime by improving banks’ ability to respond to funding shocks.
Specifically, we are exploring a requirement that larger banks maintain a minimum amount of readily available liquidity with a pool of reserves and pre-positioned collateral at the discount window, based on a fraction of their uninsured deposits. Community banks would not be covered, and we would take a tiered approach to the requirements. The collateral pre-positioned at the window could include both Treasury securities and the full range of assets eligible for pledging at the discount window. It is vital that uninsured depositors have confidence that their funds will be readily available for withdrawal, if needed, and this confidence would be enhanced by a requirement that larger banks have readily available liquidity to meet requests for withdrawal of these deposits. This requirement would be a complement to existing liquidity regulations such as those that require the internal liquidity stress tests (ILST) I described earlier as well as meeting the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR).5
Incorporating the discount window into a readiness requirement would also reemphasize that supervisors and examiners view use of the discount window as appropriate under both normal and stressed market conditions.
In addition, as I have discussed previously, we identified significant gaps in interest rate risk management in the March 2023 banking stress, including in portfolios of highly liquid securities. Relatedly, we saw that banks faced constraints in monetizing HTM assets with large unrealized losses in private markets because they were unable to repo these securities or sell these securities without realizing significant losses. To address these gaps, we are considering a partial limit on the extent of reliance on HTM assets in larger banks’ liquidity buffers, such as those held under the LCR and ILST requirements. These adjustments would address the known challenges of banks being able to use these assets in stress conditions.
Finally, we are reviewing the treatment of a handful of types of deposits in the current liquidity framework. Observed behavior of different deposit types during times of stress suggests the need to recalibrate deposit outflow assumptions in our rules for certain types of depositors. We are also revisiting the scope of application of our current liquidity framework for large banks.
These enhancements to our liquidity regulations will help bolster firms’ ability to manage liquidity shocks, and they will also be well integrated with our monetary policy tools and framework.
Modernizing Our Tools to Meet Current and Future NeedsTurning back to the discount window, I also want to note that the discount window has served its role well in recent years, and that we are also engaging in ongoing work to improve its operations. Given the crucial role of the discount window in providing ready access to liquidity in a wide variety of market conditions, we continuously work to assess and improve its functionality while engaging with current and potential users of the window.
Among the steps we have taken recently include that we now have an online portal, Discount Window Direct, that allows firms to request and prepay discount window loans in a more streamlined manner than was previously possible. We also recently published a request for information on discount window operations and daylight credit asking about key components of these functions. Feedback from the public will help us prioritize areas for improvement, so I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in this topic to weigh in during the comment period. Your feedback will help us ensure that the discount window continues to improve in its role of providing ready access to funding under a variety of market conditions.
Thank you.

1. The views I express here are my own and not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
2. See Michael S. Barr (2023), “The 2023 U.S. Treasury Market Conference,” speech delivered at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, New York, November 16. Return to text
3. See “Subparts D and O—Enhanced Prudential Standards” in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2024), “Frequently Asked Questions about Regulation YY,” webpage. Return to text
4. See Michael S. Barr (2024), “On Building a Resilient Regulatory Framework,” speech delivered at Central Banking in the Post-Pandemic Financial System, 28th Annual Financial Markets Conference, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Fernandina Beach, Fla., May 20. Return to text
5. The LCR and ILST are two separate, but complementary, liquidity requirements. The LCR is a standardized liquidity measure across banks, meaning the outflow assumptions are the same for each bank. The ILST is a nonstandardized liquidity measure across banks, meaning each bank determines its own outflow assumptions, subject to supervisory input. Return to text

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Don Davis is buddies with the CCP

Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

September 26, 2024

A new report today highlights how the race for North Carolina’s 1st congressional district is coming down to Don Davis’ record on China.

Davis has a consistently soft-on-China approach to his job, and even called Republicans’ talk about China a “distraction.”

Don Davis has:

🇨🇳 Years-long ties to the CCP

🇨🇳 Voted to use tax dollars to buy Chinese drones

🇨🇳 Supported sending China billions in manufacturing

“Don Davis is a friend to China, not a friend to eastern North Carolina. Instead of lowering costs for North Carolinians, Davis is using his time in Congress to look out for his buddies in the CCP.” — NRCC Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly participates in the Summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats

Source: Government of Canada News

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats hosted by the President of the United States, Joe Biden, on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

September 25, 2024 – New York City, United States of America – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats hosted by the President of the United States, Joe Biden, on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Building on the successful work of the Coalition over the past year, the event highlighted the need to continue driving international action to disrupt the illegal production, distribution, trafficking and sale of synthetic drugs, detect emerging drug threats and promote public health interventions and prevention services.

In her remarks, Minister Joly highlighted Canada’s efforts to combat one of the most serious and deadly public health crises of our time. She noted that Canada is focused on providing timely access to a full range of strategies to help people access the prevention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery services and supports they need, when and where they need them. She noted the $25 billion investment Canada has made in critical health priorities such as increasing access to mental health and substance use services and supports.

Minister Joly welcomed the wide range of initiatives highlighted by the Coalition, and encouraged countries to act together, with purpose and commitment, to reduce the public health and public security threats posed by synthetic drugs. She pledged to continue domestic efforts to address the illegally manufactured and powerful synthetic drug supply that is driving the overdose crisis and to strengthen multilateral efforts to address the increasing threats of synthetic drugs and organized crime.

Related products

Associated links

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rep. Wild Sits Down with La Mega’s Victor Martinez for Behind-the-Scenes Look at Her Work in Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Susan Wild (PA-07)

Recently, Congresswoman Susan Wild hosted Allentown’s Victor Martinez with La Mega radio to provide a behind-the-scenes look at her work in Congress. During their conversation, they discussed Rep. Wild’s work on her committees, federal funding she secured for projects throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley, and her legislative priorities.

Check out some memorable moments of the conversation below:

Federal Funding Secured for Community

Rep. Wild’s Committee Work

“Big Deal”: Lowering Health Care Costs

You can watch the full interview here.

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at High-level Meeting Commemorating and Promoting the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

Source: United Nations secretary general

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us on this important day highlighting the need for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

There should be no place for these devices of death in our world.

Nuclear weapons are a double madness.

The first madness is the existence of weapons that can wipe out entire populations, communities and cities in a single attack.

We know that any use of a nuclear weapon would unleash a humanitarian catastrophe — a nightmare spilling over borders, affecting us all.

These weapons deliver no real security or stability — only looming danger, and constant threats to our very existence.

The second madness is that, despite the enormous and existential risks these weapons pose to humanity, we are no closer to eliminating them than we were 10 years ago.

In fact, we are heading in the wrong direction entirely.

Not since the worst days of the Cold War has the specter of nuclear weapons cast such a dark shadow.

Nuclear saber-rattling has reached a fever pitch.
We have even heard threats to use a nuclear weapon.

There are fears of a new arms race.

Meanwhile, the norms painstakingly established over decades against the use, spread and testing of nuclear weapons are being eroded.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The first-hand, lived experience of the hibakusha — the brave survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — stand as clear reminders of where the nuclear path ends.

They continue to sound the alarm, reminding us that we cannot afford to forget the lessons learned from those horrifying nuclear attacks in 1945.

And yet, nearly 80 years later, nuclear-weapon States continue to roll the dice, resisting disarmament measures and believing that, somehow, our luck will never run out.

But luck is not a strategy.

They must stop gambling with humanity’s future.

This starts with nuclear-weapon States honoring their commitments, and meeting their disarmament obligations.

Until nuclear weapons are eliminated, these States should commit to never use them under any circumstances. And they must demonstrate the utmost transparency in all matters related to nuclear weapons.

I also call on the Russian Federation and the United States to return to the process of nuclear arms reductions, with other nuclear-weapon States following in due course.

Disarmament and non-proliferation are two sides of the same coin.

Progress in one spurs progress in the other.

States must pursue both as a matter of urgency.

Just days ago, the Summit of the Future — and the Pact for the Future that emerged — resulted in a new global commitment to revitalize the global disarmament regime, and bring our world closer to our goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons.

This goal is supported by the vast majority of Member States — including through the General Assembly’s first-ever resolution in 1946 calling for nuclear disarmament.

The time has come to take steps to ensure that a nuclear weapon is never used again.

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Nous vivons – depuis bien trop longtemps – sous la menace des armes nucléaires.

Les générations précédentes ont appris à se cacher sous leur bureau ou à se réfugier dans des bunkers pour échapper à une attaque nucléaire.

Mais les dirigeants ne peuvent pas échapper à leur responsabilité primordiale de prendre des mesures concrètes pour réduire la menace nucléaire – et y mettre fin, une fois pour toutes.

L’heure de l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires a sonné.

L’Organisation des Nations Unies est aux côtés de tous les États membres – tandis que nous œuvrons ensemble pour bâtir l’avenir que nos enfants et petits-enfants méritent : un avenir pacifique et débarrassé des armes nucléaires.

Je vous remercie.

******

[all-English]

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us on this important day highlighting the need for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

There should be no place for these devices of death in our world.

Nuclear weapons are a double madness.

The first madness is the existence of weapons that can wipe out entire populations, communities and cities in a single attack.

We know that any use of a nuclear weapon would unleash a humanitarian catastrophe — a nightmare spilling over borders, affecting us all.

These weapons deliver no real security or stability — only looming danger, and constant threats to our very existence.

The second madness is that, despite the enormous and existential risks these weapons pose to humanity, we are no closer to eliminating them than we were 10 years ago.

In fact, we are heading in the wrong direction entirely.

Not since the worst days of the Cold War has the specter of nuclear weapons cast such a dark shadow.

Nuclear saber-rattling has reached a fever pitch.
We have even heard threats to use a nuclear weapon.

There are fears of a new arms race.

Meanwhile, the norms painstakingly established over decades against the use, spread and testing of nuclear weapons are being eroded.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The first-hand, lived experience of the hibakusha — the brave survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — stand as clear reminders of where the nuclear path ends.

They continue to sound the alarm, reminding us that we cannot afford to forget the lessons learned from those horrifying nuclear attacks in 1945.

And yet, nearly 80 years later, nuclear-weapon States continue to roll the dice, resisting disarmament measures and believing that, somehow, our luck will never run out.

But luck is not a strategy.

They must stop gambling with humanity’s future.

This starts with nuclear-weapon States honoring their commitments, and meeting their disarmament obligations.

Until nuclear weapons are eliminated, these States should commit to never use them under any circumstances. And they must demonstrate the utmost transparency in all matters related to nuclear weapons.

I also call on the Russian Federation and the United States to return to the process of nuclear arms reductions, with other nuclear-weapon States following in due course.

Disarmament and non-proliferation are two sides of the same coin.

Progress in one spurs progress in the other.

States must pursue both as a matter of urgency.
Just days ago, the Summit of the Future — and the Pact for the Future that emerged — resulted in a new global commitment to revitalize the global disarmament regime, and bring our world closer to our goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons.

This goal is supported by the vast majority of Member States — including through the General Assembly’s first-ever resolution in 1946 calling for nuclear disarmament.

The time has come to take steps to ensure that a nuclear weapon is never used again.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

We have spent far too long living with the threat of nuclear weapons.

Previous generations learned how to hide under their desks or flee to bunkers to escape a nuclear assault.

But leaders cannot escape their overriding responsibility to take concrete steps to reduce and end the nuclear threat, once and for all.

The time for the total elimination of nuclear weapons is now.

The United Nations stands with all Member States as we work together to build the peaceful, nuclear-weapons-free future our children and grandchildren deserve.

Thank you.

******

[all-French]

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Je vous remercie d’abord de vous être joints à nous en ce jour spécial qui nous rappelle combien il importe d’éliminer totalement les armes nucléaires.

Ces engins de mort n’ont pas leur place sur notre planète.

Les armes nucléaires sont une folie à deux titres.

D’abord, l’existence même de ces armes, capables d’anéantir des populations, des communautés et des villes entières en une seule frappe, est une aberration.

Nous le savons, tout emploi de l’arme nucléaire déclencherait une catastrophe humanitaire – un cauchemar qui ne connaîtrait pas de frontières et nous toucherait toutes et tous.

Loin d’apporter une véritable sécurité et stabilité, ces armes constituent un danger imminent et font peser une menace constante sur notre existence.

Deuxième aberration, malgré les risques énormes et existentiels que ces armes font courir à l’humanité, nous ne sommes pas plus près de les voir disparaître qu’il y a dix ans.

À vrai dire, nous allons dans la direction complètement opposée.

Jamais, depuis les pires heures de la guerre froide, le spectre des armes nucléaires n’a jeté une telle ombre.

Les rodomontades nucléaires ont atteint leur paroxysme.

On entend même des menaces d’emploi d’armes nucléaires.

On craint une nouvelle course aux armements.

Parallèlement, on voit s’éroder les normes qui, laborieusement, avaient été élaborées au fil des décennies pour prohiber l’emploi, la dissémination et la mise à l’essai de ces armes.

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Ce qu’ont vécu dans leur chair les hibakusha – ces courageux survivants d’Hiroshima et de Nagasaki –nous rappelle où conduit inévitablement le chemin du nucléaire.

Ces femmes et ces hommes continuent de sonner l’alarme, en nous conjurant de ne pas oublier les leçons tirées des horribles frappes atomiques de 1945.

Pourtant, près de 80 ans plus tard, les États dotés d’armes nucléaires continuent de jouer avec le feu, de se soustraire aux mesures de désarmement et de croire que, d’une manière ou d’une autre, la chance les servira toujours.

Toutefois, la chance n’est pas une stratégie.

Ils doivent cesser de jouer avec l’avenir de l’humanité.

Avant tout, il faut que les États dotés d’armes nucléaires honorent leurs engagements et respectent leurs obligations en matière de désarmement.

Tant que les armes nucléaires n’auront pas été éliminées, ces États doivent s’engager à ne jamais les utiliser, quelles que soient les circonstances. En outre, ils doivent faire preuve d’une plus grande transparence sur toutes les questions concernant ces armes.

Je demande également à la Fédération de Russie et aux États-Unis de s’engager de nouveau dans une démarche visant à limiter les armes nucléaires. Les autres États dotés d’armes nucléaires pourront s’y joindre en temps voulu.

Le désarmement et la non-prolifération sont les deux faces d’une même médaille.

Tout progrès d’un côté entraîne des progrès de l’autre.

Les États doivent s’employer à atteindre ces deux objectifs de toute urgence.

Il y a quelques jours seulement, lors du Sommet de l’avenir – et dans le texte même du Pacte pour l’avenir qui a été adopté – la communauté internationale a pris un nouvel engagement : celui de revitaliser le régime mondial de désarmement et de faire en sorte que le monde progresse vers la réalisation de l’objectif commun qu’est l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires.

C’est un objectif auquel souscrit la grande majorité des États Membres, qui se sont notamment exprimés en ce sens dans la toute première résolution appelant au désarmement nucléaire adoptée en 1946 par l’Assemblée générale.

Le moment est venu de prendre des mesures pour que l’arme nucléaire ne soit plus jamais utilisée.

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Nous vivons – depuis bien trop longtemps – sous la menace des armes nucléaires.

Les générations précédentes ont appris à se cacher sous leur bureau ou à se réfugier dans des bunkers pour échapper à une attaque nucléaire.

Mais les dirigeants ne peuvent pas échapper à leur responsabilité primordiale de prendre des mesures concrètes pour réduire la menace nucléaire – et y mettre fin, une fois pour toutes.

L’heure de l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires a sonné.

L’Organisation des Nations Unies est aux côtés de tous les États Membres ‒ tandis que nous œuvrons ensemble pour bâtir l’avenir que nos enfants et petits-enfants méritent : un avenir pacifique et débarrassé des armes nucléaires.

Je vous remercie.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Edwards announces National Park Service grant to make Deaverview Mountain accessible to public

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11)

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today announced that the National Park Service has awarded a competitive grant of nearly $4.5 million dollars toward land acquisition on Deaverview Mountain in Buncombe County for a future public park. Out of 54 projects in 24 states, this was the only one funded in North Carolina.

Deaverview Mountain is currently privately owned and this federal funding, along with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s state grant secured last year, will provide recreational opportunities in this beautiful area for decades to come.

The grant is a part of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant program, which supports the purchase of parks and renovation of recreation facilities in economically distressed areas of the United States.

Edwards said, “As a result of this award, the breathtaking views and recreational opportunities on Deaverview Mountain will be available for Western North Carolinians and the traveling public to enjoy. I applaud the hard work it took by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and Buncombe County to succeed in this extremely competitive process. As a member of the Interior & Environment Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, which has jurisdiction over this funding, I will always support bringing more federal investment into Western North Carolina in a fiscally responsible manner.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Steel, Foxx Call for Federal Investigation into Santa Ana Unified School District’s Alarming Pattern of Antisemitism, Foxx Call for Federal Investigation into Santa Ana Unified School District’s Alarming Pattern of Antisemitism

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Michelle Steel (CA-48)

WASHINGTON – Representative Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) today sent a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona asking for an investigation into the alarming pattern of antisemitism among senior officials of the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD).

The letter builds upon the Committee’s work to fight against antisemitism and for Jewish students at all levels of education.

In the letter, Foxx and Steel write: “[W]e request that the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) open an investigation into these incidents to determine whether violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (Title VI) have occurred. At multiple meetings spanning the spring of 2023, the SAUSD Ethnic Studies Steering Committee (Committee) took collective action that deliberately excluded members of the school district’s Jewish community from involvement in constructing an ethnic studies curriculum. This likely violated California state law.”

The letter continues: “Senior officials of the Committee also discussed using Jewish holidays to approve courses so Jewish community members would not be able to attend. Specifically, two senior SAUSD officials discussed this matter over text. One stated, ‘We may need to use Passover to get all new courses approved,’ to which the other replied, ‘[T]hat’s actually a good strategy.’ Additionally, while discussing a potential meeting with the Jewish Federation of Orange County, a leader of the Committee stated that ‘someone has to guide [Committee members] or they will cave in to the racist Zionists.’ This alarming display of prejudice has no place in our communities, especially from the very educators entrusted with leading our public schools.”

The letter concludes: “Ongoing litigation has already revealed an alarming pattern of antisemitism at the highest levels of the SAUSD. It is also clear that certain individuals made a concerted effort to hide their prejudiced motives. For this reason, we are requesting that OCR open a formal investigation into this matter to ensure all wrongdoing is brought to light and that those responsible for perpetrating this discrimination are held fully accountable under federal law. We hope that we can work together on this issue to ensure that the protections afforded under the Civil Rights Act are vigorously enforced so that all students feel welcome.”

To read the full letter, click here.

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Carter Statement on Government Funding Extension

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement on the continuing resolution passed in the U.S. House of Representatives to extend the government funding deadline:

“Funding the government is a fundamental responsibility of elected officials. This extension safeguards important programs that people rely on, refills the Disaster Relief Fund, and renews the National Flood Insurance Program. This continuing resolution is now consistent with the spending levels agreed upon in the Bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act. I will continue fighting to put people over politics and solve problems for hardworking Louisianians.

“While I am encouraged that the DRF has been replenished in a way that allows long-term recovery projects to restart, I am concerned that we may be right back here in December with projects throughout Louisiana paused. Congress must come back with a comprehensive disaster relief bill to ensure important recovery projects don’t continue being delayed.

“We must find a bipartisan compromise to keep the government open at the end of the year. This short-term solution gives us time to find it.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Once Upon a Nightmare: Lotherton promises thrilling Halloween experience

Source: City of Leeds

This Halloween, thrill-seekers are invited to Lotherton to step into the pages of twisted fairy tales where ‘happily ever afters’ don’t exist.

Aimed at eight- to 15-year-olds, ‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ is an immersive scare event that transforms the serene grounds and gardens of Lotherton into a haunting world where legendary fairy tale characters live out their darkest versions of reality.

The event is on from 25 to 31 October, with 30-minute slots running between 5 and 8.30pm.

Visitors can expect a walk through the misty grounds of the estate as night falls, guided only by the faint glow of lanterns. Around every corner, familiar faces emerge, but the famous cheerful storybook characters have warped into the stuff of nightmares. Meeting a Snow White shadowed by a fateful curse, and a wary Little Red Riding Hood with the wolf always ready to pounce, it’s an adventure where fairy tales and horror collide.

Each encounter is a story come to life, but with a twist that will leave visitors gripping their friends’ hands a little tighter at every turn.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Whether you’re a fan of fairy tales or just enjoy a good scare, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience. It’s a spooky event but it’s all been planned with young people in mind, so it’s a perfect way for the family to experience a thrilling Halloween together.”

‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ is delivered by Breeze at Lotherton, both part of Leeds City Council. It is not suitable for children under eight or those easily scared. Tickets can be booked at https://www.breezeleeds.org/nightmare/.

Starting 4 October, Lotherton is also hosting their first ever pumpkin patch experience where visitors can book to go on a fun tractor ride and choose a pumpkin to take home and carve.

A daytime ‘Scarytales’ experience suitable for all ages will also run from 26 October to 3 November and is included in the regular admission price.

All Leeds Museums and Galleries half term events can be viewed at https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/whats-on/school-holiday-events-2/.

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Steel Resolution Proclaims September Boat People Awareness Month

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Michelle Steel (CA-48)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Michelle Steel introduced House Resolution 1477 to designate September as “Boat People Awareness Month” in recognition of the hundreds of thousands of refugees who fled Vietnam with the fall of Saigon in 1978.

Rep. Steel gave a speech on the House floor in honor of those who risked their lives at sea to escape the Communist regime.

Following the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon to an oppressive Communist regime, nearly 800,000 Vietnamese people fled by boat in the hopes of escaping to another country, becoming known as boat people.

Many of these refugees perished on the journey, succumbing to pirates, overcrowded boats, storms, and countless other dangers.

Those who survived the journey settled all over the world, including in Rep. Steel’s congressional district of California-45, where they have formed a vibrant and patriotic community.

“‘Boat People Awareness Month’ will honor refugees who fled Communist Vietnam to find freedom and community in places like Little Saigon, California,” said Rep. Steel. “This recognition will honor the courage of all those who fled Vietnam by boat in search for a better life, including the lives that were tragically lost.”

Following the war, about 725,000 Vietnamese refugees settled in the United States, including more than 50,000 who settled in Southern California.

Rep. Steel represents parts of Los Angeles County and Orange County, including the Little Saigon community, which has the largest population of Vietnamese anywhere outside of Vietnam.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community Planning Aberdeen to become Volunteer Charter Champion

Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

Community Planning Aberdeen is to become a Volunteer Charter Champion in recognition of the significant role volunteers have in supporting communities and people across the city.

The Volunteer Charter, produced by Volunteer Scotland, is a tool for policy makers, elected members and funders to use when making decisions about how volunteering is represented in decision making processes, policy development, and how volunteering is resourced and utilised.

It sets out 10 key principles which help to underpin good relations within a volunteering environment and is open to any individual, group or organisation from any sector which either involve volunteers, or influence decisions on volunteering.

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard, Chair of the Community Planning Aberdeen Board, said: “We are very fortunate in Aberdeen that so many people give up their free time, share their knowledge and skills, and their enthusiasm to support people and communities across the city on a voluntary basis.

“It is in recognition of the importance of volunteers to communities, people and place that Community Planning Aberdeen has agreed to become a Volunteer Charter Champion.

“We would like to thank all volunteers for their dedication and commitment. By working in partnership, we can all ‘do our bit’ to ensure Aberdeen is a place where everyone can prosper.”

Volunteer Scotland and Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO) invited Community Planning Aberdeen to sign up to the Volunteer Charter. It was agreed that it could only sign the charter if partner organisations could collectively adhere to the principles.

Partners are supportive of the Volunteer Charter with some; Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Grampian and North East College Scotland stating that they will also sign up as individual organisations. Aberdeen City Council agreed to become a Volunteer Charter Champion at the Council meeting on 3 July 2024.

Following the Chair’s formal pledge of support of the Volunteer Charter on behalf of the partnership the necessary arrangements will be put in place to ensure the charter is integrated within the appropriate Community Planning Aberdeen structures.

Find out more about volunteering opportunities with Community Planning Aberdeen here.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester libraries mark Black History Month

Source: City of Leicester

LEICESTER’S libraries are marking Black History Month this October with two free cultural events and plenty of suggestions for great books by Black authors.

Grenadian author and poet Merle Collins will be at the Central Library on 15 October to talk about her life and work.

Her latest book, Ocean Stirrings – which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for political fiction – will be available for sale after the event.

In conversation with Merle Collins starts at 7pm on Tuesday 15 October.

Also coming up at the Central Library on Bishop Street is an opportunity to meet the British Grammy-nominated singer Tippa Irie (pictured).

The reggae pioneer will talk about his 40-year career and his 2023 autobiography, Stick To My Roots, on 30 October.

In conversation with Tippa Irie gets under way at 7pm on Wednesday 30 October.

Admission to both events is free of charge but places can be booked in advance by contacting the library on 0116 454 0290 or central-library@leicester.gov.uk

Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Black History Month is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Black history, music, culture and art.

“Throughout October, our libraries will be celebrating the work of Black authors and helping to bring Black history to life for visitors for all ages.

“There are lots of themed events taking place at our libraries, including crafts for children and a ‘Book Detectives’ treasure hunt.

“Pop into your local library or download an eBook or audiobook from our OverDrive page and discover an author you’ve never discovered before – and mark Black History Month with a great book.”

A list of titles suitable for children, teens and adults has been specially curated by library staff to mark Black History Month.

David Olusoga’s Black and British and Barack Obama’s Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters are two of the books on the children’s list, while Kamala Harris’s autobiography The Truths We Hold: An American Journey and Troy Jackson’s biography of Martin Luther King, Becoming King, are on the list of suggested reading for adults.

The list of themed titles for Black History Month can be viewed at Leicester Libraries’ OverDrive page at leicesteruk.overdrive.com

Events and activities taking place at Leicester Libraries can be found here

Opal 22’s exhibition Black Lives is on display at Highfields Library until 31 October, while other events taking place in Leicester to mark Black History Month include an exhibition featuring portraits of 100 Black women with connections to Britain and Ireland, led by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, and an evening of live music at the African Caribbean Centre.

100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark opens at Leicester Gallery at De Montfort University on Tuesday 1 October.

A Journey Through Black Music takes place on Friday 18 October and will feature both local and national artists. Tickets are £10.

Listings for Black History Month events in Leicester are available at blackhistorymonth.org.uk/listings/region/east-midlands/leicester/

More information about Black History Month is available at blackhistorymonth.org.uk

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Russian Federation’s malign activities and interference: UK statement to the OSCE, September 2024
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Deputy Ambassador Brown condemns Russian disinformation and other forms of malign influence.
Location:

Vienna

Delivered on:

26 September 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you Madam Chair.

The United States has just informed this Council of steps it has taken to defend its democratic institutions in the face of a covert foreign influence operation by the Russian Federation. This follows other participating States’ interventions in this Council to highlight multiple forms of malign interference across our region in recent months.

Indeed the United Kingdom put Russia’s malign influence and interference onto the Permanent Council’s agenda in May and I thank the US for once again raising this matter.

All OSCE Participating States – including the UK – have made important commitments to uphold media freedom, including to foster “free, independent and pluralistic media” as part of open societies and accountable governments.

The United Kingdom will continue to uphold media freedom, learning from best practice – including that shared by the Office of the Representative for Freedom of the Media. And we again call on all other participating States – particularly Russia and Belarus – to uphold OSCE commitments on media freedom, safety of journalists and freedom of expression.

At the same time the United Kingdom will also take action to defend our national and regional security against the full spectrum of threats emanating from Russia, working in partnership with others. This has included sanctioning Russian media outlets like Rossiya Segodnya and TV Novosti (which controls Russia Today) which spread disinformation and propaganda designed to incite violence and hatred towards Ukraine and its people.

Madam Chair. Our message to Russia is clear: stop this illegal war; withdraw your troops from Ukraine; cease your malign activities including disinformation and information manipulation; and, respect the OSCE principles and commitments that keep us all safe.

Updates to this page

Published 26 September 2024

Invasion of Ukraine

UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals

Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine

Homes for Ukraine: record your interest

Find out about the UK’s response
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free courses to support parents and carers in York

Source: City of York

Published Thursday, 26 September 2024

Parents and carers in York are being reminded that there is a wide range of free courses to help support them and their children, many of which are available online.

The courses are run by both national and local providers and cover a wide range of topics from pregnancy and newborns, to teenagers or children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

A full list of the courses is available on the Raise York website and parents and carers can search by topic or by their child’s age.

The website also has details of local support groups for parents and carers. Parents and carers come together to share their experiences and help each other.

These support groups offer a safe place to talk about new challenges and celebrate success; a chance to learn new tips and to meet people who understand what you’re going through.

Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said:

We know that raising children can be tough for anyone and parents may welcome a bit of low-stakes, low-pressure support at times, as well as an opportunity to build a supportive community of friends.

“This offer provides a wide range of courses depending on your needs, so if you’d like to connect with other parents and carers, you can do so by joining a group course, but you can also pick courses that you do in your own time. This really is an offer to families to pick from to help create something that works well for them.”

Parents and carers of new babies can also access information about services and support available locally in a dedicated booklet – Supporting you parenting journey in York – which is available to all parents via their midwife and/or when they register their child’s birth. The booklet is also available online.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Translation: Government of Canada supports aerospace manufacturing in Burlington

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

Media Advisory

Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will celebrate support for the aerospace and manufacturing sectors in Burlington.

September 26, 2024 – Burlington, Ontario

Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will celebrate support for the aerospace and manufacturing sectors in Burlington.

A press briefing will follow the in-person announcement.

Please note that all information is subject to change and all times are local.

Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Formula Solutions Inc.1550 Appleby LineBurlington, Ontario L7L 6V1

RSVP: Please submit your request to fdo.rsvp-rsvp.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca.

Contact persons

Edward HutchinsonPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontarioedward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario Media Relationsmedia@feddevontario.gc.ca

Stay connected:

FedDev-Ontario.Canada.ca

Follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook

Subscribe to the FedDev Ontario newsletter, Southern Ontario Economic News, which features news and updates on economic development in the region.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI: Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP : Form 8.3 – Smith (DS) plc

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	Smith (DS) plc
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	25/09/2024
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	Yes, International Paper Company

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:
	Interests		Short positions
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:	18,539,768	1.34
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:	18,539,768	1.34

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security

Purchase/sale

Number of securities

Price per unit

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
10p Ordinary	CFD	Increasing a long position	132,620	GBP 4.5465
10p Ordinary	CFD	Increasing a long position	32,064	GBP 4.5471

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. call option

Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.

Number of securities to which option relates

Exercise price per unit

Type
e.g. American, European etc.

Expiry date

Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security

Nature of dealing
e.g. subscription, conversion

Details

Price per unit (if applicable)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	26/09/2024
Contact name:	Alex McMillan
Telephone number:	646 282 5805

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Translation: The Government of Canada announces the appointment of two new members to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

The Government of Canada announces the appointment of two new members to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

September 26, 2024 Gatineau, Quebec Parks Canada

The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, helps connect Canadians to our shared history. Each designation of a person, place or event of national historic significance makes a unique contribution to the tapestry of stories that together shape our identity and our past.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the appointments of Mr. Michael Carroll as the Alberta representative and Ms. Karen Aird as the British Columbia representative to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Each Board member brings a unique perspective to the Board’s long-standing mission to commemorate the people, places and events that have shaped Canada’s history. The Parks Canada Agency and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada are committed to ensuring that national historic designations reflect the diverse stories of Canada’s history.

Canadians value learning about their country’s past. This historical awareness fosters active citizenship, promotes critical thinking, encourages civic responsibility and supports a more inclusive society.

Established in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada on the national historic significance of people, places and events that have marked Canada’s history. Parks Canada supports the work of the Board by providing professional and administrative services, including conducting the historical and archaeological research required to assess nominations.

In collaboration with Parks Canada, the Commission ensures that elements of national historic significance are recognized and that these important stories are communicated to Canadians through the National Program of Historical Commemoration.

-30-

The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada is composed of one representative from each province and territory, as well as the Librarian and Archivist of Canada, a representative from the Canadian Museum of History and a representative from Parks Canada.

The Framework for History and Commemoration, introduced in 2019, supports the work of Parks Canada and the Board to designate persons, places and events of national historic significance, and encourages new, diverse, public designations. The Framework promotes a public-centred approach that is inclusive and reflects the diversity and complexity of Canada’s history, including the history of Indigenous peoples.

To date, based on the Commission’s recommendations, the Government of Canada has designated more than 2,260 places, events and persons of national historic significance under the National Program of Historical Commemoration.

In addition to making recommendations regarding designations of national historic significance, the Commission provides advice on heritage railway stations, heritage lighthouses and the National Program of Grave Sites of Prime Ministers of Canada.

Most nominations submitted to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada for consideration come from members of the public. For more information on how to submit a request to designate a person, place or event of historical significance, please visit the Parks Canada website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc.

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the selection processes for Governor in Council appointees are open, transparent and merit-based in order to encourage public confidence in Canada’s democracy and ensure the integrity of its public institutions. The selection process reflects the fundamental role that Governor in Council appointees play in our democracy by serving on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies and tribunals across the country.

Oliver AndersonDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change819-962-0686oliver.anderson@ec.gc.ca

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Translation: Government of Canada to support tourism growth projects in Toronto on World Tourism Day

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

Media Advisory

Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will make an important announcement in support of tourism growth projects in Toronto.

September 26, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario

Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will make an important announcement in support of tourism growth projects in Toronto.

A press briefing will follow the in-person announcement.

Please note that all information is subject to change and all times are local.

Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Location: The Theater Centre1115 Queen Street WestToronto, Ontario M6J 1J1

RSVP: Please submit your request to fdo.rsvp-rsvp.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca.

Contact persons

Edward HutchinsonPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontarioedward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario Media Relationsmedia@feddevontario.gc.ca

Stay connected:

FedDev-Ontario.Canada.ca

Follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook

Subscribe to the FedDev Ontario newsletter, Southern Ontario Economic News, which features news and updates on economic development in the region.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Translation: Two new representatives appointed to the CLMHC

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

On September 26, 2024, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the appointment of two new representatives to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC).

BiographiesMr. Michael CarrollRepresentative for Alberta

Dr. Michael Carroll is a historian of twentieth-century diplomacy, specializing in Canadian-American foreign relations, United Nations peacekeeping, and Canadian history. He holds a Master of Arts (History) from Carleton University and a PhD (History) from the University of Toronto. He has been Chair of the Department of Humanities at MacEwan University since 2019, where he has taught since 2007. He previously taught at the University of Victoria and Seiwa University in Japan.

Dr. Carroll has a special interest in public history and has devoted over twenty years to the recording and preservation of oral histories. The collegial governance at MacEwan University has also afforded him the opportunity to participate actively on university and community committees, as well as on committees serving the broader historical profession. He is the author of numerous publications, including Pearson’s Peacekeepers: Canada and the United Nations Emergency Force, 1956-1967.

“Canada’s history is anything but boring: from extraordinary exploits that inspire us to cases of collective shame from which we must learn, and everything in between. I am honoured to represent Alberta and excited to be part of the effort to make our nation’s history accessible and alive for all Canadians.”

Mr. Michael CarrollMember, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Alberta

Ms. Karen AirdRepresentative for British Columbia

Ms. Aird is a member, through her mother, of the Saulteau First Nation in northeastern British Columbia, and now resides in Kamloops. Since 2018, she has been the Heritage Manager with the First Peoples Cultural Council, a program she developed from the ground up that provides grants, resources, research and training to First Nations in British Columbia.

Ms. Aird began her career as an archaeologist, overseeing large-scale archaeological projects. She later owned a consulting firm specializing in cultural heritage management. In 2012, she co-founded the National Aboriginal Heritage Circle and served as its president for two terms.

Her experience includes participation in national and international conferences, high-level government meetings and negotiations, and community-based cultural heritage research. She has served on several boards, such as the Royal BC Museum and the Parks Canada Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Circle.

Ms. Aird holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria and a master’s degree in cultural heritage management from Athabasca University.

“Canada has a rich and varied history, etched in the landscapes, events and people of the past. As a representative of British Columbia, I am honoured to join the committee to support the recognition and commemoration of our collective heritage.”

Ms. Karen AirdMember, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, British Columbia

-30-

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces state’s price gouging law in effect because of Hurricane HeleneRead More
Source: US State of South Carolina

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) –South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that the state’s law against price gouging is now in effect since Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency because of Hurricane Helene.

“With the possibility that Hurricane Helene could affect South Carolina after making landfall in Florida, we all need to be prepared. We can expect normal price increases, and those are not considered price gouging under our law. But we may see businesses and individuals looking to unfairly take advantage of the situation through price gouging of food, gasoline, lodging, and other commodities as defined by the statute. By our law, that’s a criminal violation and an unfair trade practice,” Wilson said.

The price gouging law (SC §39-5-145) is a general prohibition of unconscionable prices during times of disaster. It is in effect until the state of emergency expires or is terminated. Price gougers can be charged for excessive pricing, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail.

Normal fluctuations in price are to be expected and are not price gouging, but if you feel like you are the victim of price gouging there are certain steps you can take to help our office investigate. Please do the following:
1. Note the time, place, address, and name of the gas station or business.
2. Note the price you paid.
3. Note any prices nearby and get the same information on those stations or businesses.
4. Take pictures that identify the business, along with the price.
5. Provide your name and contact information.
Our office will need that information to conduct a thorough investigation. Please email any examples and documentation to [email protected]. You can also give us that information on our website at https://www.scag.gov/price-gouging/. If you don’t have access to email or our website, you may call 803-737-3953 and leave a message if you have witnessed a likely violation. Please include the details we need to be able to investigate.

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Let It Go: (After Latching)

Source: NASA

NASA is seeking innovative solutions for a synchronized antenna deployment system. The primary objective is to develop a mechanism that ensures sequential deployment of antenna panels, addressing a critical aspect of space-based communication technology. In this challenge, participants are tasked with designing a mechanism that will release hexagonal panels in a predetermined sequence. Specifically, the mechanism should trigger the release of the next hexagon in a stack only after the previous one has successfully latched into place. This sequential deployment is crucial for maintaining the antenna’s structural integrity and operational efficiency.The proposed design must be compatible with one of the winning latch designs from the previous “Let’s Connect” challenge. Additionally, it must integrate seamlessly with the provided backing structure model without compromising the parabolic surface of the antenna. Participants should focus on creating a solution that is both effective and adaptable to existing NASA technologies.
Award: $7,000 in total prizes
Open Date: September 23, 2024
Close Date: November 25, 2024
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MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Hubble Finds that a Black Hole Beam Promotes Stellar Eruptions

Source: NASA

6 min read

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In a surprise finding, astronomers using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope have discovered that the blowtorch-like jet from a supermassive black hole at the core of a huge galaxy seems to cause stars to erupt along its trajectory. The stars, called novae, are not caught inside the jet, but apparently in a dangerous neighborhood nearby.

The finding is confounding researchers searching for an explanation. “We don’t know what’s going on, but it’s just a very exciting finding,” said lead author Alec Lessing of Stanford University. “This means there’s something missing from our understanding of how black hole jets interact with their surroundings.”

A nova erupts in a double-star system where an aging, swelled-up, normal star spills hydrogen onto a burned-out white dwarf companion star. When the dwarf has tanked up a mile-deep surface layer of hydrogen that layer explodes like a giant nuclear bomb. The white dwarf isn’t destroyed by the nova eruption, which ejects its surface layer and then goes back to siphoning fuel from its companion, and the nova-outburst cycle starts over again.

Hubble found twice as many novae going off near the jet as elsewhere in the giant galaxy during the surveyed time period. The jet is launched by a 6.5-billion-solar-mass central black hole surrounded by a disk of swirling matter. The black hole, engorged with infalling matter, launches a 3,000-light-year-long jet of plasma blazing through space at nearly the speed of light. Anything caught in the energetic beam would be sizzled. But being near its blistering outflow is apparently also risky, according to the new Hubble findings.
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The finding of twice as many novae near the jet implies that there are twice as many nova-forming double-star systems near the jet or that these systems erupt twice as often as similar systems elsewhere in the galaxy.

“There’s something that the jet is doing to the star systems that wander into the surrounding neighborhood. Maybe the jet somehow snowplows hydrogen fuel onto the white dwarfs, causing them to erupt more frequently,” said Lessing. “But it’s not clear that it’s a physical pushing. It could be the effect of the pressure of the light emanating from the jet. When you deliver hydrogen faster, you get eruptions faster. Something might be doubling the mass transfer rate onto the white dwarfs near the jet.” Another idea the researchers considered is that the jet is heating the dwarf’s companion star, causing it to overflow further and dump more hydrogen onto the dwarf. However, the researchers calculated that this heating is not nearly large enough to have this effect.

“We’re not the first people who’ve said that it looks like there’s more activity going on around the M87 jet,” said co-investigator Michael Shara of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. “But Hubble has shown this enhanced activity with far more examples and statistical significance than we ever had before.”

Shortly after Hubble’s launch in 1990, astronomers used its first-generation Faint Object Camera (FOC) to peer into the center of M87 where the monster black hole lurks. They noted that unusual things were happening around the black hole. Almost every time Hubble looked, astronomers saw bluish “transient events” that could be evidence for novae popping off like camera flashes from nearby paparazzi. But the FOC’s view was so narrow that Hubble astronomers couldn’t look away from the jet to compare with the near-jet region. For over two decades, the results remained mysteriously tantalizing.

Compelling evidence for the jet’s influence on the stars of the host galaxy was collected over a nine-month interval of Hubble observing with newer, wider-view cameras to count the erupting novae. This was a challenge for the telescope’s observing schedule because it required revisiting M87 precisely every five days for another snapshot. Adding up all of the M87 images led to the deepest images of M87 that have ever been taken.

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In a surprise finding, astronomers, using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope have discovered that the jet from a supermassive black hole at the core of M87, a huge galaxy 54 million light years away, seems to cause stars to erupt along its trajectory.NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center; Lead Producer: Paul Morris

Hubble found 94 novae in the one-third of M87 that its camera can encompass. “The jet was not the only thing that we were looking at — we were looking at the entire inner galaxy. Once you plotted all known novae on top of M87 you didn’t need statistics to convince yourself that there is an excess of novae along the jet. This is not rocket science. We made the discovery simply by looking at the images. And while we were really surprised, our statistical analyses of the data confirmed what we clearly saw,” said Shara.

This accomplishment is entirely due to Hubble’s unique capabilities. Ground-based telescope images do not have the clarity to see novae deep inside M87. They cannot resolve stars or stellar eruptions close to the galaxy’s core because the black hole’s surroundings are far too bright. Only Hubble can detect novae against the bright M87 background.

Novae are remarkably common in the universe. One nova erupts somewhere in M87 every day. But since there are at least 100 billion galaxies throughout the visible universe, around 1 million novae erupt every second somewhere out there.

The Hubble Space Telescope has been operating for over three decades and continues to make ground-breaking discoveries that shape our fundamental understanding of the universe. Hubble is a project of international cooperation between NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope and mission operations. Lockheed Martin Space, based in Denver, Colorado, also supports mission operations at Goddard. The Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, conducts Hubble science operations for NASA.

Hubble’s Messier Catalog: M87

Hubble Black Holes

Monster Black Holes are Everywhere

Media Contact:

Claire AndreoliNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MDclaire.andreoli@nasa.gov

Ray VillardSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD

Science Contact:

Alec LessingStanford University, Stanford, CA

Michael SharaAmerican Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Long ago, but not so different

Source: US Government research organizations

In a new study, a team of U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researchers suggests that 4 billion years ago, plate tectonics likely looked closer to what we experience today than previously thought. The team published its findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

The team studied the mineral zircon from two of the oldest pieces of intact crust — dating 4.0 to 2.7 billion years old — and discovered that ancient plate tectonics, or how the continents move around and interact with each other, was likely just as diverse as it is today.

“Plate tectonics makes our planet uniquely dynamic on a solar system scale,” said Emily Mixon, the study’s lead author and a researcher at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “It has been hypothesized that because plate tectonics is important for moving carbon and water around on long time scales, it might be important for how life evolved on Earth.”

Credit: Emily E. Mixon

A cathodoluminescence (CL) image of growth zoning in a 3.75 Ga zircon from the Acasta Gneiss Complex (NW Territories, Canada).

Moving continents are destructive — crustal rocks are destroyed and recycled. To reveal the ancient processes behind tectonics, the researchers studied zircons, which are physically durable and resistant to chemical alterations.

More specifically, they studied zircons in the 3.9 – 2.7-billion-year-old Saglek-Hebron Complex and 4.0 – 3.4-billion-year-old Acasta Gneiss Complex and found that instead of a linear progression of tectonic styles, from volcanic lavas and magmas pushing down crust into the mantle followed by plates colliding into each other and pushing oceanic crust down to the mantel, many different styles coexisted, just as they do today.

“Understanding how tectonics worked early in Earth history is key for identifying when and how we got the styles of modern tectonics we see today, and how these styles might be expected to look early in planetary development for other possibly habitable planets,” Mixon said.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Artemis Science Instrument Gets Tested in Moon-Like Sandbox

Source: NASA

On Sept. 9 and 10, scientists and engineers tested NASA’s LEMS (Lunar Environment Monitoring Station) instrument suite in a “sandbox” of simulated Moon regolith at the Florida Space Institute’s Exolith Lab at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Lunar regolith is a dusty, soil-like material that coats the Moon’s surface, and researchers wanted to observe how the material would interact with LEMS’s hardware, which is being developed to fly to the Moon with Artemis III astronauts in late 2026.

Designed and built at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, LEMS is one of three science payloads chosen for development for Artemis III, which will be the first mission to land astronauts on the lunar surface since 1972.

The LEMS instrument package can operate both day and night. It will carry two University of Arizona-built seismometers to the surface to perform long-term monitoring for moonquakes and meteorite impacts.

Image credits: NASA/UCF/University of Arizona
Behind the Scenes of a NASA ‘Moonwalk’ in the Arizona Desert

NASA’s Artemis II Crew Uses Iceland Terrain for Lunar Training

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada announces the appointment of two new members to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Source: Government of Canada News

Government of Canada announces the appointment of two new members to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada

September 26, 2024 Gatineau, Quebec Parks Canada

The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, helps connect Canadians with our shared history. Every designation of a person, place, or event of national historic significance makes a unique addition to the tapestry of stories that collectively contribute to our identity and past.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the appointments of Dr. Michael Carroll as representative for Alberta and Ms. Karen Aird as representative for British Columbia to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Every Board member contributes their distinct perspective to the longstanding mission of the Board to commemorate the individuals, places, and events that have shaped Canada’s history. Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada are committed to ensuring that national historic designations reflect the diverse narratives of the history of Canada.

Canadians value learning more about the nation’s past. This historical awareness fosters active citizenship, promotes critical thinking, encourages civic responsibility, and supports a more inclusive society.

Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada regarding the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Parks Canada supports the Board’s work with professional and administrative services, including the conduct of historical and archaeological research needed for evaluating nominations.

Together, Parks Canada and the Board ensure that subjects of national historic significance are recognized, and these important stories are shared with Canadians under the National Program of Historical Commemoration.

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- The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada is composed of a representative from each province and territory, as well as the Librarian and Archivist of Canada, a representative of the Canadian Museum of History, and a representative of Parks Canada.
- The Framework for History and Commemoration, introduced in 2019, supports the work of Parks Canada and the Board in designating places, persons, and events of national historic significance and encourages new and diverse types of public nominations. The Framework takes an audience-focused approach that is inclusive and presents the diversity and complexity of history in Canada, including the history of Indigenous Peoples.
- To date, based on recommendations from the Board, the Government of Canada has designated over 2,260 national historic sites, events, and persons under the National Program of Historical Commemoration.
- In addition to making recommendations regarding designations of national historic significance, the Board provides advice on Heritage Railway Stations, Heritage Lighthouses, and the National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers.
- Most nominations brought forward for the consideration of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada originate from members of the public. For more information on how to nominate a person, place or event of historic importance, please visit Parks Canada’s website: https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/proposer-nominate.
- The Government of Canada is committed to an open, transparent, and merit-based process for selecting Governor in Council’s appointees, to encourage continued trust in Canada’s democracy and ensure the integrity of its public institutions. The selection process reflects the fundamental role that Governor in Council’s appointees play in our democracy as they serve on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies, and tribunals across the country.
Oliver Anderson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-962-0686
oliver.anderson@ec.gc.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada supports aerospace manufacturing in Burlington

Source: Government of Canada News

Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will celebrate support for Burlington’s aerospace and manufacturing sector.

September 26, 2024 – Burlington, Ontario

Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) and Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will celebrate support for Burlington’s aerospace and manufacturing sector.

A media availability will follow the in-person announcement.

Please note that details are subject to change. All times are local.

Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Location:
Formula Solutions Inc.
1550 Appleby Line
Burlington, ON
L7L 6V1

R.S.V.P: Please submit your request to fdo.rsvp-rsvp.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca.

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fleeing a Sinking Ship

Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

September 26, 2024

If you’re following along with the news of Eric Adams’ indictment, please consider the following statement from the National Republican Congressional Committee:

“As extreme New York Democrats try to distance themselves from the NYC Mayor like rats fleeing a sinking ship, we are ready to remind voters that his enablers running for Congress own every one of his moral, ethical, and policy failures. During Adams’ tenure, he and his cronies permitted crime to run rampant, allowed corruption to fester, and used American taxpayer dollars to pay hand over fist for illegal migrants to stay in New York – all while cowardly congressional candidates nodded along. Adams’ enablers who are running for Congress in New York will own his failures in November.” – NRCC Spokeswoman Savannah Viar

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: New HSMBC Appointed Representatives

Source: Government of Canada News

On September 26, 2024, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the appointment of two new representatives to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC).

Biographies

Dr. Michael Carroll
Representative for Alberta

Dr. Michael Carroll is a 20th-century diplomatic historian specializing in Canadian and American foreign relations, United Nations peacekeeping and Canadian history. He holds a Master of Arts (History) from Carleton University and a Ph.D. (History) from the University of Toronto. He has been Chair of the Department of Humanities at MacEwan University since 2019, where he has taught since 2007. He previously taught at the University of Victoria and Seiwa University in Japan.

Dr. Carroll has a special interest in public history and has been engaged in recording and preserving oral histories for over twenty years. Collegial governance at MacEwan has also provided him with the opportunity to serve extensively on academic and community committees, as well as those serving the wider historical profession. He is the author of numerous publications, including Pearson’s Peacekeepers: Canada and the United Nations Emergency Force, 1956-1967.

“The history of Canada is anything but boring: from exploits of greatness that inspire to instances of collective shame from which we must learn, and everything in-between. I am honoured to represent Alberta and thrilled to be part of the efforts to help make our nation’s history accessible and come alive for all Canadians.”

Dr. Michael Carroll
Member, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Alberta

Ms. Karen Aird
Representative for British Columbia

Ms. Karen Aird is a member of Saulteau First Nations in northeast B.C. through her mother and now resides in Kamloops. Since 2018, she has been the Heritage Manager with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, a program she developed from the ground up that provides grants, resources, research and training for B.C. First Nations.

Ms. Aird began her career as an archaeologist, overseeing large-scale archaeology projects. She then owned a consulting firm specializing in cultural heritage management. In 2012, she co-founded the National Indigenous Heritage Circle and served as president for two terms.

Her experience includes participation in national and international conferences, high-level government meetings and negotiations, and community-based cultural heritage research. She has served on several boards, such as the Royal BC Museum and Parks Canada’s Cultural Heritage Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Ms. Aird completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Victoria and has a Master’s Diploma in cultural heritage management from Athabasca University.

“Canada has a rich and diverse history etched into the landscapes, events, and people of the past. As the B.C. representative, I am honoured to join the committee to support the recognition and commemoration of our collective heritage.”

Ms. Karen Aird
Member, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, British Columbia

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MIL OSI Canada News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to support tourism growth projects in Toronto on World Tourism Day

Source: Government of Canada News

Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will make an important announcement in support of tourism growth projects in Toronto.

September 26, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario

Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will make an important announcement in support of tourism growth projects in Toronto.

A media availability will follow the in-person announcement.

Please note that details are subject to change. All times are local.

Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Location:
The Theatre Centre
1115 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
M6J 1J1

R.S.V.P: Please submit your request to fdo.rsvp-rsvp.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca.

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: How a women-led tech startup is using AI to motivate Brazilians to take better care of themselves

Source: Microsoft

Headline: How a women-led tech startup is using AI to motivate Brazilians to take better care of themselves

Adriemilly Rigo wasn’t feeling well. “To tell you the truth, I was very sedentary, I didn’t practice sports much, and I didn’t take care of myself very well,” she says.

She had gained weight, felt fatigued and developed chronic migraines. Then her doctor told her she had fatty liver disease, a serious metabolic condition that if left untreated can lead to liver failure.

Rigo was scared. So, when her supervisor asked her if she wanted to try out a new health and wellness app offered by their company, she signed up. After following the healthy meal advice and starting an exercise program, her symptoms are under control, and she is feeling better than she has in ages. “It’s been wonderful for me,” says Rigo. “Now I challenge myself more and more every day.”

Rigo is prioritizing her health with help from a generative AI-powered app called RadarFit. Launched in 2020 by a trio of female entrepreneurs, the Brazilian tech startup has already amassed more than one million users with a unique gamification strategy designed to incentivize healthy habits.

While it serves individuals, too, RadarFit’s focus is providing a comprehensive health and wellness program to corporate customers. “For companies, we solve the problem of high costs from employee health problems and having to invest a lot in health benefits,” says Chief Executive Officer Jade Utsch Filizzola.

Like many countries experiencing rapid urbanization, Brazil is grappling with high rates of heart disease and metabolic conditions, such as diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, also known as steatohepatitis. The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Brazil is estimated to be around 35.3 percent, the highest in Latin America, compared to 25 percent worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease database. While costly to treat and potentially deadly, many chronic conditions, including NAFLD, can be prevented – or even reversed – with proper diet and exercise, according to the Journal of Hepatology. That’s one reason why more companies like Rigo’s have signed up for RadarFit. In a few short years RadarFit has enrolled over 60 corporate customers – and is on track to have 80 commercial clients by the end of this year.

Powered by the Microsoft Cloud, RadarFit runs on Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service and uses Microsoft Copilot Studio to automate marketing, and analyze data and user feedback.

The impact of RadarFit on the health of employees has “been a big surprise to us,” says Samuel Lopes Fontes, who overseas finance and HR at Cooabriel, Rigo’s employer. Under persistent but friendly prompting from the RadarFit app, says Lopes Fontes, “people who claimed they didn’t have time to go to the gym started exercising and waking up earlier so they can take care of themselves.” In another turnaround, colleagues are asking the company to stock more fresh fruit and vegetables in the employee kitchen.

Two years ago, 27 of Cooabriel’s 470 employees signed up for RadarFit. Now as word has spread, 59 are taking part, and in the first six months of this year, health complaints have fallen by half, says Lopes Fontes.

Prompted by RadarFit’s AI-generated app, Lopes Fontes, who, like Rigo, also developed fatty liver disease (although his was caught much earlier) improved his diet, started running more and says his doctor has since declared his disease in remission.

Of course, there are thousands of apps and websites dishing out health and wellness advice, and many more millions of people who aspire to live healthier lifestyles but fail to follow through.

That’s where gamification comes into play. “The root cause of the difficulty of achieving a healthy life is the lack of immediate results,” says Filizzola. Even if a person puts in 60 minutes of exercise or eats a healthy meal, “they don’t instantly get the health and body they want,” she says. “This lack of immediate reward is what triggers the lack of motivation.”

“For companies, we solve the problem of high costs from employee health problems and having to invest a lot in health benefits,” says Jade Utsch Filizzola, Chief Executive Officer of Brazil’s RadarFit. Photo by Avener Prado.

So RadarFit uses generative AI, combined with a points system, to incentivize healthier choices. Anonymized user data captured from the uploaded images of meals and other activities is used to generate “tags” – or labels – that generate personalized recommendations based on each healthy habit registered by users. An avatar that “learns” from user input recommends meals and physical activity tailored to individual health goals. Points awarded for healthy choices can be exchanged for donations to social or environmental causes or redeemed for products like appliances and electronics.

Different point categories recognize that some tasks are more difficult than others. For example, a 15-minute workout earns 3 points, while a 60-minute or longer workout can be worth 9 points. A healthy meal can earn 31 points, highlighting the importance of healthy eating, while tasks like drinking a glass of water, an important but easier task, earns 5 points.

The RadarFit app also allows users to track their progress compared to colleagues, the kind of friendly competition that research has shown can act as a further spur to action (and is familiar to anyone who has practiced more after comparing their scores to other learners on popular language apps). Users can also opt out of company competitions.

RadarFit Chief Technology Officer Tatiany Duarte, who designed her first video game at age 15, says combining generative AI with gamification turns what could be a dreaded task into something fun and engaging. It “makes it much more playful,” she says.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 23, 2025

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