Press Release  |  December 31, 2021

FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams Announces Resignation FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams today sent the following letter to the President of the United States:   The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC  20500 Dear Mr. President, After serving as the 21st Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) since June 2018, I intend to resign as Chairman effective February 4, 2022.  When I immigrated to this country 30 years ago, I did so with a firm belief in the American system of government.  During my tenure at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, the United States Senate, and the FDIC, I have developed a deep appreciation for these venerable institutions and their traditions.  It has been a tremendous honor to serve this nation, and I did not take a single day for granted.  Throughout my public service, I have been constantly reminded how blessed we are to live in the United States of America. Serving the American people alongside the dedicated career professionals of the FDIC has been the highlight of my professional life.  Throughout my tenure, the agency has focused on its fundamental mission to maintain and instill confidence in our banking system while at the same time promoting innovation, strengthening financial inclusion, improving transparency, and supporting community banks and minority depository institutions, including through the creation of the Mission Driven Bank Fund.  Today, banks continue to maintain robust capital and liquidity levels to support lending and protect against potential losses. The unexpected shock of COVID-19 tested the resilience of our financial system beginning in March 2020, and the FDIC took swift actions to maintain stability and provide flexibility for banks and consumers.  The core of our financial system not only weathered the storm, but was a tangible source of strength for the American economy.  The committed staff of the FDIC deserve great credit for these results, and they have my profound gratitude.  I am humbled by their dedication to the FDIC’s mission and honored to have served with them.  Sincerely, Jelena McWilliams

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the New Year:

 Statement by the Prime Minister to mark the New Year

December 31, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the New Year:

“Happy New Year, Canada!

“After a second year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, tonight will be a time for us to pause and reflect on the successes and challenges we have experienced as a country over the past 12 months, and to look forward to the road ahead with renewed hope and determination.

“In 2021, the pandemic continued to have a significant impact on our lives. Everyone has had to make sacrifices to keep each other safe. We lost loved ones and members of our communities, while many lost their homes or livelihoods due to extreme weather conditions across the country. We were also confronted with the legacy of Canada’s historical wrongs as we witnessed the findings of unmarked graves and burial sites near former residential schools. But over the past 12 months, we have also seen Canadians come together, adapt to new realities, and do their part to help build a better tomorrow – with kindness, resilience, and hard work.

“As everyone traded handshakes for elbow bumps and continued wearing their masks, together we rolled up our sleeves to get vaccinated so that we could get back to the things we love. With the threat of new variants, vaccination remains our best line of defence against COVID‑19, and we will need to keep working together in 2022 to put this pandemic behind us.

“From the fall of 2020 to the fall of 2021, more than one million Canadians returned to work, and last month the unemployment rate was the lowest since the start of the pandemic. As we ring in the new year, the government remains committed to putting Canadians first and investing in their future, including by providing them with the support they need to get through this crisis. In 2022, we will keep taking meaningful steps to create jobs, put home ownership back in reach, and make life more affordable for the middle class and people working hard to join it. We will get the job done on delivering an average of $10-a-day child care for families, and we will take a Team Canada approach to build a more resilient health care system, strengthen long-term care, and improve access to mental health services. Much work remains to be done, but we will meet the moment and keep moving forward.

“The record heat waves, wildfires, and floods that have affected so many Canadians over the past year are a stark reminder that climate change is real and that we need to address it head-on. In the coming year, we will be moving faster than ever to fight the climate crisis, create jobs and economic growth, and build a cleaner future.

“This year has been particularly difficult for Indigenous Peoples in Canada – deep wounds were reopened as we were faced with the hard truths of our past and its ongoing, tragic legacy. We must continue to tell these truths, support the process of healing that leads to reconciliation, and work together to eliminate the injustices experienced by many Indigenous Peoples. In 2022, the Government of Canada will make further progress toward addressing the impacts of residential schools and the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, while continuing to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. We will accelerate our work to close the gaps that far too many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis still face today, and we must continue to do this in partnership so that Indigenous Peoples can feel safe and respected, and have a fair and equitable chance at success.

“I know that the incredible strength, determination, and compassion we have seen in our communities over the past year will keep inspiring and guiding us in the new year. Tonight, as we count down to midnight, let us celebrate all that unites us and recommit to looking out for one another. Drawing on the hard lessons of the past two years, we will finish the fight against this pandemic and rebuild a Canada that is stronger, fairer, and more equitable. On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish you a wonderful night and a very happy New Year.”

Déclaration du premier ministre à l’occasion du Nouvel An

Le 31 décembre 2021
Ottawa (Ontario)

Le premier ministre Justin Trudeau a fait aujourd’hui la déclaration suivante à l’occasion du Nouvel An :

« Bonne année à tous!

« Après une deuxième année marquée par la pandémie de COVID-19, nous aurons l’occasion ce soir de faire une pause et de réfléchir aux réussites et aux défis que notre pays a connus au cours des 12 derniers mois, et d’envisager l’avenir avec un regain d’espoir et de détermination.

« En 2021, la pandémie a continué d’avoir des répercussions importantes sur nos vies. Nous avons tous dû faire des sacrifices pour nous protéger les uns les autres. Nous avons perdu des proches et des membres de nos communautés, et beaucoup de gens partout au pays ont perdu leur maison ou leurs moyens de subsistance en raison des conditions météorologiques extrêmes. Nous avons également été confrontés à l’héritage des torts historiques du Canada après la découverte de tombes et de lieux de sépulture anonymes près d’anciens pensionnats. Cependant, au cours des 12 derniers mois, nous avons également vu les Canadiens unir leurs efforts, s’adapter aux nouvelles réalités et contribuer à bâtir un avenir meilleur – avec gentillesse, résilience et acharnement.

« Alors que les gens ont commencé à se saluer avec les coudes plutôt qu’avec une poignée de main et qu’ils ont continué à porter le masque, nous avons retroussé nos manches pour nous faire vacciner afin de pouvoir un jour reprendre nos activités préférées. Face à la menace que posent les nouveaux variants, la vaccination demeure notre meilleur moyen de défense contre la COVID-19, et nous devrons continuer à travailler ensemble en 2022 si nous voulons en finir avec cette pandémie.

« De l’automne 2020 à l’automne 2021, plus d’un million de Canadiens sont retournés au travail et, le mois dernier, le taux de chômage était à son niveau le plus bas depuis le début de la pandémie. À l’aube de la nouvelle année, le gouvernement reste déterminé à accorder la priorité aux Canadiens et à investir dans leur avenir, notamment en leur fournissant le soutien dont ils ont besoin pour traverser cette crise. En 2022, nous continuerons de prendre des mesures concrètes pour créer des emplois, redonner aux gens les moyens de devenir propriétaires et rendre la vie plus abordable pour la classe moyenne et les personnes qui travaillent fort pour en faire partie. Nous veillerons à offrir aux familles des services de garde à 10 dollars par jour en moyenne, et nous adopterons une approche pancanadienne pour bâtir un système de soins de santé plus résilient, améliorer les soins de longue durée et faciliter l’accès aux services de santé mentale. Il reste beaucoup de travail à faire, mais nous saurons relever ce défi et nous continuerons à aller de l’avant.

« Les vagues de chaleur sans précédent, les incendies de forêt et les inondations qui ont touché tant de Canadiens au cours de la dernière année nous rappellent durement que les changements climatiques sont bel et bien réels et que nous devons nous y attaquer de front. Au cours de la prochaine année, nous agirons plus rapidement que jamais pour lutter contre la crise climatique, favoriser la création d’emplois et la croissance économique et bâtir un avenir plus propre.

« Cette année a été particulièrement difficile pour les peuples autochtones du Canada. Des blessures profondes ont été rouvertes lorsque nous avons été confrontés aux dures vérités de notre passé et à son héritage tragique. Nous devons continuer de mettre au jour ces vérités, de soutenir le processus de guérison qui mènera à la réconciliation et de travailler ensemble pour éliminer les injustices subies par de nombreux peuples autochtones. En 2022, le gouvernement du Canada poursuivra ses efforts en vue de remédier aux séquelles des pensionnats et de la tragédie nationale des femmes, des filles et des personnes 2ELGBTQQIA+ autochtones disparues et assassinées, tout en continuant de donner suite aux appels à l’action de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation du Canada et de mettre en œuvre la Loi sur la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones. Nous accélérerons notre travail visant à combler les lacunes auxquelles beaucoup trop de membres des Premières Nations, d’Inuits et de Métis sont encore confrontés aujourd’hui. Nous devons nous assurer de poursuivre ce travail en collaboration avec les peuples autochtones afin qu’ils puissent se sentir respectés et en sécurité et avoir une chance juste et équitable de réussir.

« Je sais que la force, la détermination et la compassion incroyables dont nous avons été témoins dans nos communautés au cours de la dernière année continueront de nous inspirer et de nous guider dans la nouvelle année. Ce soir, à l’approche de minuit, célébrons tout ce qui nous unit et engageons-nous de nouveau à veiller les uns sur les autres. En nous appuyant sur les dures leçons que nous avons apprises au cours des deux dernières années, nous terminerons la lutte contre cette pandémie et rebâtirons un Canada plus fort, plus juste et plus équitable. Au nom de notre famille, Sophie et moi vous souhaitons une merveilleuse soirée et une très bonne année. »

AHEPA "Happy New Year!"

 

From the Desk of the Supreme President January 1, 2022 Dear AHEPA Family & Friends,   Happy New Year!   2022 brings with it much anticipated excitement and joy, especially our 100th anniversary! In the new year, we must not rest on the laurels of our good works in the community. We must continue to persevere as we continue to navigate through the pandemic. We must stay focused on the fulfillment of our entire mission--the advancement of the Hellenic ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence--and bring new individuals into our Order who can lend their talents, resources, and passion to help fulfill our mission and promote our heritage. Let's not keep our good works a secret.    Let's share them and offer others the opportunity to contribute. Let's make 2022--our Centennial year--a year unlike any other in the storied history of the AHEPA family.   On behalf of the Supreme Lodge and AHEPA family, best wishes to you and your family for a joyous, prosperous, safe, and healthy New Year! Jimmy Kokotas Supreme President

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement..

Statement by the Prime Minister on Haiti’s Independence Day



January 1, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario



The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Haiti’s Independence Day:

“Today, we join Haitian communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate Haiti’s Independence Day.

“This day has always been significant for Haitians, people of African descent, and many other people around the world. On this day in 1804, Haiti made history by becoming the first Black-led independent country in the world, and the first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery. Since then, the first day of the year is celebrated by the people of Haiti and Haitian communities around the world as Haiti’s Independence Day.

“Canada and Haiti officially established diplomatic relations in 1954. Since then, our two countries have enjoyed a strong relationship, strengthened by our geographical proximity, shared language, and close people-to-people ties. Today, more than 165,000 people of Haitian ancestry call Canada home, and help make our country stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive. This year, as we continue to follow public health guidelines to keep each other and our communities safe from COVID-19, I encourage all those celebrating to find alternative ways to mark this important day.

“Canada and Haiti work together as part of international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and La Francophonie. Additionally, for nearly 30 years, Canada has contributed to every United Nations peace mission to Haiti to support stabilization and reconstruction efforts. This includes financial assistance and the deployment of members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and correctional officers.

“Canada will continue to support Haiti’s efforts to strengthen its governance, the rule of law, and democracy. We will also work with Haiti to improve the well-being of its citizens, particularly women and girls, notably through support to national health, education and protection systems, and the fight against COVID-19. We will continue to encourage initiatives that foster economic growth that works for everyone and a greater resilience to climate change and natural disasters. Every day, Haitians continue to demonstrate strength in the face of adversity, and Canada remains committed to working with them as they build toward a better tomorrow.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to all those celebrating Haiti’s Independence Day.”


Déclaration du premier ministre à l’occasion du Jour de l’indépendance de la République d’Haïti
Le 1 janvier 2022
Ottawa (Ontario)



Le premier ministre Justin Trudeau a fait aujourd’hui la déclaration suivante à l’occasion du Jour de l’indépendance de la République d’Haïti :

« Aujourd’hui, nous nous joignons à la communauté haïtienne au Canada et à travers le monde pour souligner le Jour de l’indépendance de la République d’Haïti.

« Ce jour a toujours été important pour les Haïtiens, les personnes d’origine africaine et beaucoup d’autres personnes dans le monde. En ce jour en 1804, Haïti est entré dans l’histoire en devenant le premier pays indépendant dirigé par des Noirs dans le monde et le premier pays de l’hémisphère occidental à abolir l’esclavage. Depuis, le premier jour de l’année est célébré par le peuple haïtien et les communautés haïtiennes du monde entier comme le Jour de l’indépendance de la République d’Haïti.

« Le Canada et Haïti ont officiellement établi des relations diplomatiques en 1954. Depuis lors, nos deux pays entretiennent des relations solides fondées sur notre proximité géographique, une langue commune et les liens étroits entre nos populations. Aujourd’hui, plus de 165 000 personnes d’origine haïtienne habitent au Canada et contribuent à rendre notre pays plus fort, plus prospère et plus inclusif. Cette année, étant donné que nous continuons à suivre les consignes de santé publique pour nous protéger mutuellement et protéger nos communautés de la COVID-19, j’encourage tous ceux qui célèbrent cette occasion à trouver d’autres moyens de souligner cette journée importante.

« Le Canada et Haïti collaborent au sein d’organisations internationales, notamment les Nations Unies, l’Organisation des États américains, la Communauté des Caraïbes (CARICOM) et la Francophonie. Par ailleurs, depuis près de 30 ans, le Canada a appuyé les différentes missions de paix des Nations Unies en Haïti pour soutenir les efforts de stabilisation et de reconstruction, tant au niveau financier que par le déploiement de membres des Forces armées canadiennes et de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada ainsi que d’agents correctionnels.

« Le Canada continuera d’appuyer les efforts d’Haïti pour renforcer sa gouvernance, la primauté du droit et la démocratie. Nous allons également travailler avec Haïti pour améliorer le bien-être de ses populations, en particulier les femmes et les filles, notamment via des appuis aux systèmes nationaux de santé, d’éducation et de protection ainsi qu’à la lutte contre la COVID-19. Nous allons continuer à appuyer les initiatives qui favorisent une croissance au service de tous et une plus grande résilience aux changements climatiques et aux catastrophes naturelles. Chaque jour, les Haïtiens continuent de faire preuve de résilience face aux défis et aux obstacles, et le Canada reste déterminé à travailler avec eux pour les aider à bâtir un avenir meilleur.

« Au nom du gouvernement du Canada, j’offre mes meilleurs vœux à tous ceux qui célèbrent le Jour de l’indépendance de la République d’Haïti. »


Statement by the Prime Minister on the 75th anniversary of Canadian citizenship
January 1, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario



The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 75th anniversary of Canadian citizenship:

“Seventy-five years ago today, the Canadian Citizenship Act became law, marking the start of Canadian citizenship as a legal status. This historic moment established who was – and who could become – a Canadian citizen, and stood as an important expression of our country’s national identity.

“The Act also made Canada the first Commonwealth country to create its own citizenship, separate from the one of the United Kingdom, making us Canadians rather than British subjects. Over the years, the Act evolved to become the Citizenship Act and saw various amendments, leading to greater equity and improvements to Canada’s citizenship program. Today, Canadian citizens across the country and around the world proudly share freedoms and rights, while embracing the responsibilities given to them by their status. In the past decade, more than two million people have taken the oath of citizenship to become Canadian citizens.

“The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in immigration helps strengthen and grow our economy, but we also know that the pandemic has caused delays for those looking to build a future in Canada. That is why the government is committed to increasing immigration levels and reducing wait times for applicants, while delivering a world‑leading refugee resettlement program and supporting family reunification, so that families can be together sooner. Thanks to this work, and the support of communities and Canadians across the country, Canada has welcomed more than 400,000 newcomers in 2021 – the most in a single year of our country’s history.

“We also know that there is still work to do to make Canada a fairer, more inclusive, and more equitable place for everyone, including new Canadians. No matter their background, a Canadian is a Canadian. Unfortunately, many have faced additional barriers to social and economic participation due to the pandemic. Prejudice, discrimination, and systemic racism also continue to be a lived reality for many immigrants across the country. As we continue the fight against COVID-19, we will keep taking meaningful steps to ensure all Canadians have a real and fair chance at success.

“As a country, we are strong thanks to our people, our diversity, and our differences. For generations, immigrants and new Canadians have embodied the values of openness, compassion, and respect that define and unite us. In calling this country home, they have shaped Canada’s identity, and their significant social, cultural, and economic contributions make us the country we are today. We must never forget or take this for granted.

“On this day, as we mark the 75th anniversary of our shared Canadian citizenship, I invite each and every one of us to celebrate what it means to be Canadian, and to learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Let us reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and values we share as a Canadian family. Together, Canadians from coast to coast to coast can continue to build a stronger, more diverse, and more inclusive country.”
Le premier ministre Justin Trudeau a fait aujourd'hui la déclaration suivante à l'occasion du 75e anniversaire de la citoyenneté canadienne :


« Il y a 75 ans aujourd'hui, la Loi sur la citoyenneté canadienne a été adoptée, marquant le début de la citoyenneté canadienne comme statut juridique. Ce moment historique a permis de déterminer qui était un citoyen canadien et qui pouvait le devenir. Il constitue une expression importante de l'identité nationale de notre pays.

« La Loi a également fait du Canada le premier pays du Commonwealth à créer sa propre citoyenneté, distincte de celle du Royaume-Uni, faisant de nous des Canadiens plutôt que des sujets britanniques. Au fil des ans, la Loi a évolué pour devenir la Loi sur la citoyenneté. Elle a fait l'objet de diverses modifications, lesquelles ont permis d’accroître l’équité et d'améliorer le programme de citoyenneté du Canada. Aujourd'hui, les citoyens canadiens du pays et du monde entier jouissent des mêmes droits et libertés et assument les responsabilités que leur confère leur statut. Au cours de la dernière décennie, plus de deux millions de personnes ont prêté le serment de citoyenneté pour devenir des citoyens canadiens.

« Le gouvernement du Canada reconnaît que le fait d'investir dans l'immigration contribue à renforcer et à faire croître notre économie, mais il sait également que la pandémie a entraîné des retards pour ceux qui cherchent à se bâtir un avenir au Canada. C'est pourquoi le gouvernement s'est engagé à augmenter les niveaux d'immigration et à réduire les délais d'attente pour les demandeurs. Il est également déterminé à offrir un programme de réinstallation des réfugiés de calibre mondial et à soutenir la réunification des familles, afin que celles-ci puissent être réunies plus rapidement. Grâce à ce travail et au soutien des communautés et des Canadiens de tout le pays, le Canada a accueilli plus de 400 000 nouveaux arrivants en 2021, soit le plus grand nombre de nouveaux arrivants que notre pays ait jamais accueilli en une seule année.

« Nous savons aussi qu'il reste du travail à faire pour que le Canada devienne un pays plus juste, plus inclusif et plus équitable pour tous, y compris les nouveaux Canadiens. Peu importe ses origines, un Canadien est un Canadien. Malheureusement, en raison de la pandémie, beaucoup de gens ont été confrontés à des obstacles supplémentaires à la participation sociale et économique. Les préjugés, la discrimination et le racisme systémique continuent également d'être une réalité vécue par de nombreux immigrants à l’échelle du pays. Tandis que nous poursuivons la lutte contre la COVID-19, nous continuerons de prendre des mesures concrètes pour offrir à tous les Canadiens une chance réelle et équitable de réussir.

« En tant que pays, nous devons notre force à notre population, à notre diversité et à nos différences. Depuis des générations, les immigrants et les nouveaux Canadiens incarnent les valeurs d'ouverture, de compassion et de respect qui nous définissent et nous unissent. En s'installant dans ce pays, ils ont façonné l'identité canadienne, et leurs importantes contributions sociales, culturelles et économiques font de notre pays ce qu’il est aujourd'hui. Nous ne devons jamais oublier ce fait ni le tenir pour acquis.

« En ce jour, alors que nous célébrons le 75e anniversaire de notre citoyenneté canadienne commune, je vous invite tous à célébrer ce que cela signifie d'être Canadien et à vous renseigner sur les droits et les responsabilités liés à la citoyenneté. Réfléchissons aux libertés dont nous jouissons et aux valeurs que nous partageons en tant que famille canadienne. Ensemble, les Canadiens d'un océan à l'autre peuvent continuer à bâtir un pays plus fort, plus diversifié et plus inclusif. »

A Message from Isabella Casillas Guzman, 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Happy New Year!

 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

A Message from Isabella Casillas Guzman, 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)




Happy New Year’s Eve – I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a safe, healthy, and happy celebration!


Over the past year, we have seen America’s small businesses overcome incredible challenges—a devastating pandemic, climate disasters, and other disruptions that have impacted how we live and do business. And every time, against the odds, America’s entrepreneurial spirit has come roaring back.


As I look back on this year, I know we have much to celebrate. Under President Biden’s leadership, we have delivered critical economic relief to save countless businesses across America. In 2021, the SBA provided nearly $450 billion in relief to millions of small businesses and nonprofits across our nation, including our smallest of small businesses, our critical suppliers and manufacturers, and our beloved main street restaurants and live entertainment venues.


We have also built a more inclusive support network, launching our new Community Navigators Pilot Program, expanding our Women’s Business Centers to 140 centers—the most in the history of the SBA —and partnering with the largest-ever number of lenders to extend the SBA’s reach further and more equitably than ever.


We couldn’t have done any of this alone. Working alongside our tireless small business advocates, dedicated lenders, and all of our partners who have helped us spread the word, our team of dedicated SBA career public servants has moved mountains:
Helping millions of small businesses stay afloat through the Paycheck Protection Program that has put more than $280 billion in the hands of struggling small business owners since President Biden took office—and we’ve delivered on the promise of PPP forgiveness, including for nearly 1.7 million small businesses who have used our new direct forgiveness portal to close out their loans of $150,000 or less.
Providing $116 billion in financial relief under COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs with $7 billion supporting more than half a million small businesses, including many from low-income communities that we helped through our retooled COVID EIDL Targeted and Supplemental Advance programs—a lifeline specifically for these hardest-hit communities who are still reeling from the pandemic.
Supporting more than 100,000 restaurants and other food and beverage businesses with a combined $28.6 billion through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund program, including $18 billion that went to women-owned, veteran-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged-owned small businesses.
Disbursing $13.8 billion to nearly 13,000 live venues, theaters, and other entertainment and cultural hubs through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, with more than 90% of these grants supporting venues with fewer than 50 employees—the smallest of America’s small businesses—which has been a key priority of this Administration.





And together we have achieved far more than pandemic relief:

Working with the White House, we helped deliver government contracting reforms that have opened doors for more small businesses to sell their goods and services to the world’s largest buyer: the U.S. Government. These reforms give agencies that purchase from socio-economic, underserved firms automatic credit in category management to prioritize small business contracting over bundling for large corporations.
And for the first time ever, the SBA released disaggregated data across industries and sectors by race and ethnicity. In addition, federal agencies are now required to track and publicly report how they’re bringing in new contractors and develop strategies to diversify the small business supplier base - important steps that will increase accountability for us all.


We know the impact of America’s entrepreneurs and innovators is far-reaching, and we are excited and hopeful for the year ahead as we focus on building back better and creating more opportunities for small businesses to start, recover and grow.


We also know we have a lot of work to do in 2022. Our nation’s small businesses and innovative startups are the engines, the heartbeat, and the giants of our economy. And the SBA will continue to transform its capital programs, networks, market access initiatives and operations in the year ahead to better support America’s entrepreneurs as we strive to become more customer-centric, tech-forward, and equitable than ever.


That work will be my highest priority as we enter a new year—a horizon filled with new opportunities and endless possibilities. And I have never been prouder to stand by your side as we ready ourselves for the year ahead.


To all the incredible small business giants of our economy and our partners who help us support you: thank you for your hard work and resilience this year, and best wishes for a prosperous 2022.


Happy New Year!

---

Isabella Casillas Guzman
27th Administrator
U.S. Small Business Administration

President Biden’s Call with President Putin of the Russian Federation

Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official on President Biden’s Call with President Putin of the Russian Federation
DECEMBER 30, 2021



Via Teleconference

5:41 P.M. EST

MODERATOR: Thank you. Good evening, everyone. And thanks for joining us. A reminder that this call will be on background, attributed to a “senior administration official,” and the contents are going to be embargoed until the conclusion of the call.

We will have an official readout of the call out shortly, attributed to Jen Psaki. But for now, we’ll go ahead and begin the background portion of our readout.

Our speaker today is going to be [senior administration official].

[Senior administration official], over to you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks very much. And thanks, everybody.

So while this call took place at the government of Russia’s request, it’s consistent with our view that head of state engagements, particularly between these two countries, and particularly going into the intensive period of diplomacy that is to come, not next week but the week after, is appropriate and the best way of moving forward on the very serious situation that we face.

The tone of the conversation between the two presidents was serious and substantive. They each framed their positions as they’ve done in previous calls and also as they have done publicly.

President Biden laid out two paths, two aspects of the U.S. approach that will really depend on Russia’s actions in the period ahead. One is a path of diplomacy leading toward a de-escalation of the situation, and the other is a path that’s more focused on deterrence, including serious costs and consequences should Russia choose to proceed with a further invasion of Ukraine. And those costs include economic costs, include adjustments and augmentations of NATO force posture in Allied countries, and include additional assistance to Ukraine to enable it to further defend itself and its territory, as we’ve laid out previously.

The leaders agreed to the sequence of Strategic Stability Dialogue starting on the 9th and 10th in Geneva, a NATO-Russia Council conversation on the 12th, and an OSCE meeting on the 13th. They both discussed the importance of pragmatic, results-oriented diplomacy. And I think President Biden very much saw this call as seeking to set the conditions for that.

President Biden was very clear that the United States will be operating on the principle of “nothing about you without you”: no conversations about issues that are of ultimate concern to our partners and allies without the full consultation and participation of our partners and allies — which President Putin said that he understood.

Both leaders acknowledged that there were likely to be areas where we could make meaningful progress as well as areas where agreements may be impossible, and that the upcoming talks would determine more precisely the contours of each of those categories. That’s what diplomacy is. That’s what negotiations are for.

Over the next week to 10 days, in advance of these talks, we expect to continue what has been a very intensive period of consultation on the U.S. side with our allies and partners, including providing an account of this conversation to those allies and partners, and in particular, of course, to the government of Ukraine, as well as to NATO Allies and partners.

In recent weeks, we’ve been engaged in extensive diplomacy along these lines, including by the State Department, the Defense Department, the Treasury Department, and here at the National Security Council.

President Biden has spoken with leaders across Europe. Secretary Blinken met with his counterparts at the G7, at NATO, at the OSCE ministerial meetings earlier this month. Secretary Blinken spoke with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine just ahead of this call, and — as well as speaking with his European Quad counterparts. Secretary Austin has spoken with several of his European counterparts in recent weeks. Our newly confirmed ambassadors to both NATO and the OSCE have begun active outreach to their counterparts. And we expect that those conversations will continue to be the focus of U.S. diplomacy over the course of next week — again, in advance of the sequence of diplomatic meetings that’ll begin on January 9th.

With that, I will turn it back over to the moderator.

MODERATOR: Okay, we’re ready to go to questions.

Q Yeah. Hi, thanks so much for doing this. Was there — I was wondering, is — this seems like it was a call where both leaders were trying to shape the frame, the diplomacy that was coming up. But was there anything else that was a sort of obvious reason for Putin to request this call? Anything else that came up that he wanted to talk about, apart from the upcoming diplomacy?

And then, I guess, the other question I have is: How are you going to parcel out the issues between, you know, the actual bilateral talks versus NATO-Russia Council versus OSCE? And is there any risk of sort of Russia wanting to discuss some of those issues in a bilateral format that perhaps the U.S. doesn’t want to?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Paul. So, I agree with your characterization. I think the call’s primary purpose seemed to be to set the, sort of, tone and tenor for the diplomatic engagements to come.

I think it was also, on the Russian side, part of a series of, kind of, end-of-the-year calls that President Putin has been engaged in. But this was not some mere pleasantries; this was a serious, substantive conversation.

And in terms of, you know, how the different issues will be divided among the different formats that we’ve described, I think one of the things that’s important is that there are issues that are more appropriate for each of these specific formats — some U.S.-Russia bilateral issues that are more appropriate for the Strategic Stability Dialogue; issues that relate to NATO Allies and that implicate the interests of the Alliance, obviously much more important to discuss in the NATO-Russia Council; and then broader issues of European security that go beyond merely NATO and Russia, in the context of the OSCE.

I’m not going to get into exactly which of the issues fit where on this call. I will say I think there will be some degree of overlap among the different conversations. But more important than that is that there will be very careful and very intensive coordination and transparency among our partners and allies and the United States.

We will make very clear and come to a very clear understanding, and have already set about to doing that, as to exactly what the agenda of each set of conversations will be. And that is going to be some of the focus of the diplomacy over the course the next week or 10 days.

Q Thank you for doing this. Can you hear me?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yep.

Q You’ve laid out a lot of it — I just was wondering if you guys can shed any more light on who was with the President today in Delaware, or were others chiming in from D.C., or sort of anything else about his preparations for this.

I know, as you said, it was kind of one of the standard series of calls they’ve been having ahead of those talks (inaudible), but give us a sense of who was there and whatever else you can.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah, sure. So, I guess what I’ll say is — and I’ll leave it to our press team to determine whether they want to put out exactly who was, you know, in the various conversations — but the President has been preparing for the last few days with members of his senior foreign policy team, and you know who they all are, but principally the Secretary of State and the National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan.

There were others who have been involved in the prep. But I’ll leave it to our team to decide whether they want to put all that out or not.

Q Thanks so much for doing this. I was wondering if Putin had provided any other, you know, details on — or given you any additional sense on whether he had a made a decision on whether to invade or not. Some have indicat- — some have suggested that he’s been conciliatory in the last few days, that maybe he’s looking for an escal- — an exit ramp. I was curious about your feelings on that.

And second of all, I did want to know: Is there anything that the United States and allies could provide or offer Putin that’s less — less than a written guarantee about NATO expansion? Is there somewhere in between what President Biden has said so far, in terms of, you know, obviously supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine — but also he has not, you know, offered a fulsome, “Hey, come into NATO. We’re going to totally back you on this” — versus between that and what Putin wants? Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you. So, on your — on your first question, you know, I’m — we’re not going to draw conclusions, and there were certainly no declarations as to intentions, from this conversation.

But, regardless, our focus is really on actions and on indicators, not on words, at this point. So we’re going to continue to monitor very closely the movement and buildup of Russian forces on the Ukraine border and prepare ourselves for whatever decision ultimately is made by the Russian president. But I don’t have anything more to say about that.

You know, in terms of your second question, I think it does, unfortunately, get into territory of starting to negotiate in public. And again, whatever the Russian side has decided is its best tactic and strategy in terms of its public pronouncements, we really believe based on past precedents that it is most constructive to have these conversations privately with our partners and allies, and with the Russian side.

You know, on the issue you raised related to NATO, our position is very clear that these are decisions to be made by sovereign countries, obviously in consultation with the Alliance, and not for others to determine.

But beyond that, I’m not going to get into any of the substance.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you all. That concludes the call. And with that, the embargo is lifted.

A friendly reminder that we are on background, attributed to a “senior administration official.” Thanks.

5:53 P.M. EST

Vladimir Putin,President of Russia,On December 30 had a telephone conversation with President of the United States of America Joseph Biden.

 

On December 30, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the United States of America Joseph Biden.
December 31, 2021
02:20


The conversation focused on the implementation of the agreement to launch negotiations on providing Russia with legally binding security guarantees, reached during the December 7 videoconference to launch negotiations on providing Russia with legally binding security guarantees. Vladimir Putin detailed the fundamental approaches underlying the Russian drafts of the Treaty between the Russian Federation and the United States of America and the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. He stressed that the negotiations needed to produce solid legally binding guarantees ruling out NATO’s eastward expansion and the deployment of weapons that threaten Russia in the immediate vicinity of its borders. Vladimir Putin further emphasised that the security of any nation cannot be ensured unless the principle of indivisible security is strictly observed.

Both leaders expressed willingness to engage in a serious and substantive dialogue on these issues. It was confirmed that the negotiations would take place first in Geneva on January 9–10 and then as part of the Russia-NATO Council in Brussels on January 12. Negotiations are also to be held at the OSCE on January 13. The presidents agreed to personally supervise these negotiating tracks, especially bilateral, with a focus on reaching results quickly.

In this context, Joseph Biden emphasised that Russia and the US shared a special responsibility for ensuring stability in Europe and the whole world and that Washington had no intention of deploying offensive strike weapons in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin gave an exhaustive response to the mention once again by Joseph Biden of the possibility of imposing “large-scale” sanctions in the event of an escalation of the situation around Ukraine. He suggested that this would be a grave error, de facto fraught with the danger of a complete breakdown in Russia-US relations.

The presidents exchanged New Year greetings and best wishes.

Overall, the conversation took place in a frank and business-like atmosphere and it was certainly of benefit to both parties. The leaders agreed to continue regular contacts at the highest level.

ΜΕΤΑΦΡΑΣΗ GOOGLE

Η συνομιλία επικεντρώθηκε στην εφαρμογή της συμφωνίας για την έναρξη διαπραγματεύσεων για την παροχή στη Ρωσία νομικά δεσμευτικών εγγυήσεων ασφαλείας, που επιτεύχθηκε κατά τη διάρκεια της τηλεδιάσκεψης της 7ης Δεκεμβρίου να ξεκινήσει διαπραγματεύσεις για την παροχή στη Ρωσία νομικά δεσμευτικών εγγυήσεων ασφαλείας. Ο Βλαντιμίρ Πούτιν εξέθεσε τις θεμελιώδεις προσεγγίσεις στις οποίες βασίζονται τα ρωσικά σχέδια της Συνθήκης μεταξύ της Ρωσικής Ομοσπονδίας και των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών της Αμερικής και της Συμφωνίας μεταξύ της Ρωσικής Ομοσπονδίας και των κρατών μελών του Οργανισμού της Συνθήκης του Βορείου Ατλαντικού. Τόνισε ότι οι διαπραγματεύσεις χρειάζονταν για την παραγωγή σταθερών νομικά δεσμευτικών εγγυήσεων που θα αποκλείουν την επέκταση του ΝΑΤΟ προς τα ανατολικά και την ανάπτυξη όπλων που απειλούν τη Ρωσία σε άμεση γειτνίαση με τα σύνορά της. Ο Βλαντιμίρ Πούτιν τόνισε περαιτέρω ότι η ασφάλεια οποιουδήποτε έθνους δεν μπορεί να διασφαλιστεί εάν δεν τηρηθεί αυστηρά η αρχή της αδιαίρετης ασφάλειας.

 Και οι δύο ηγέτες εξέφρασαν την προθυμία τους να συμμετάσχουν σε σοβαρό και ουσιαστικό διάλογο για τα θέματα αυτά. Επιβεβαιώθηκε ότι οι διαπραγματεύσεις θα πραγματοποιηθούν πρώτα στη Γενεύη στις 9–10 Ιανουαρίου και στη συνέχεια στο πλαίσιο του Συμβουλίου Ρωσίας-ΝΑΤΟ στις Βρυξέλλες στις 12 Ιανουαρίου. Οι διαπραγματεύσεις θα διεξαχθούν επίσης στον ΟΑΣΕ στις 13 Ιανουαρίου. Οι πρόεδροι συμφώνησαν να να επιβλέπει προσωπικά αυτές τις διαπραγματευτικές διαδρομές, ιδιαίτερα τις διμερείς, με έμφαση στη γρήγορη επίτευξη αποτελεσμάτων.

Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, ο Τζόζεφ Μπάιντεν τόνισε ότι η Ρωσία και οι ΗΠΑ μοιράζονται ειδική ευθύνη για τη διασφάλιση της σταθερότητας στην Ευρώπη και σε ολόκληρο τον κόσμο και ότι η Ουάσιγκτον δεν είχε καμία πρόθεση να αναπτύξει επιθετικά όπλα κρούσης στην Ουκρανία.

Ο Βλαντιμίρ Πούτιν έδωσε εξαντλητική απάντηση στην αναφορά για άλλη μια φορά από τον Τζόζεφ Μπάιντεν για τη δυνατότητα επιβολής κυρώσεων «ευρείας κλίμακας» σε περίπτωση κλιμάκωσης της κατάστασης γύρω από την Ουκρανία. Πρότεινε ότι αυτό θα ήταν ένα σοβαρό λάθος, ντε φάκτο γεμάτο με κίνδυνο πλήρους κατάρρευσης των σχέσεων Ρωσίας-ΗΠΑ.

Οι πρόεδροι αντάλλαξαν ευχές και ευχές για το νέο έτος.

Συνολικά, η συζήτηση έγινε σε μια ειλικρινή και επιχειρηματική ατμόσφαιρα και ήταν σίγουρα επωφελής και για τα δύο μέρη. Οι ηγέτες συμφώνησαν να συνεχίσουν τις τακτικές επαφές στο υψηλότερο επίπεδο.

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΣΕΩΣ πρόσφατο έργο

Το πιστοποιητικό ταυτοπροσωπίας περνά στο wallet του κινητού μας
28/12/2021
Κοινό Δελτίο Τύπου των Υπουργείων Ψηφιακής Διακυβέρνησης και Προστασίας του Πολίτη Τη δυνατότητα να αποθηκεύουν το πιστοποιητικό ταυτοπροσωπίας στο κινητό τους έχουν πλέον οι πολίτες, καθώς από το πρωί της...

Στήριξη με 20 εκατ. ευρώ σε θέατρα, μουσικές σκηνές, κινηματογράφους για το έτος 2021
28/12/2021
Από το Γραφείο Τύπου του Υπουργείου Εργασίας και Κοινωνικών Υποθέσεων εκδόθηκε η ακόλουθη ανακοίνωση: Τους όρους και τις προϋποθέσεις της οικονομικής ενίσχυσης θεάτρων, μουσικών σκηνών, χοροθεάτρων, συναυλιακών χώρων, χώρων παραστάσεων,...


Στα 663 ευρώ αυξάνεται ο κατώτατος μισθός από 1η Ιανουαρίου 2022 – Στα 29,62 ευρώ το κατώτατο ημερομίσθιο για τους εργατοτεχνίτες
27/12/2021
Από το Γραφείο Τύπου του Υπουργείου Εργασίας και Κοινωνικών Υποθέσεων εκδόθηκε η ακόλουθη ανακοίνωση: Με απόφαση του Υπουργού Εργασίας και Κοινωνικών Υποθέσεων Κωστή Χατζηδάκη -σε συνέχεια της σύμφωνης γνώμης που...

Υπόλοιπη επικαιρότητα


6 μέτρα για την προστασία των θέσεων εργασίας και τη συγκράτηση της διασποράς του κορωνοϊού στους χώρους εργασίας
30/12/2021
Από τα Γραφεία Τύπου των Υπουργείων Οικονομικών και Εργασίας και Κοινωνικών υποθέσεων εκδόθηκε η ακόλουθη...


Τέσσερις νέες Στρατηγικές Επενδύσεις 436 εκατ. ευρώ ενέκρινε η Διυπουργική Επιτροπή Στρατηγικών Επενδύσεων
29/12/2021
Τέσσερις νέες Στρατηγικές Επενδύσεις ενέκρινε η Διυπουργική Επιτροπή Στρατηγικών Επενδύσεων Η Διυπουργική Επιτροπή Στρατηγικών Επενδύσεων ενέκρινε...

United States Cencus:HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Census Bureau Projects U.S. and World Populations on New Year’s Day As the nation prepares to ring in the new year, the U.S. Census Bureau today projected the U.S. population will be 332,403,650 on Jan. 1, 2022. This represents an increase of 706,899, or 0.21%, since New Year’s Day 2021, and 954,369, or 0.29%, since Census Day (April 1) 2020. In January 2022, the U.S. is expected to experience a birth every nine seconds and one death every 11 seconds. Meanwhile, net international migration is expected to add one person to the U.S. population every 130 seconds. The combination of births, deaths and net international migration increases the U.S. population by one person every 40 seconds. Read More Happy New Year 2022! Visit America Counts to read more about population estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Clock and population projections for 227 countries and areas with populations of 5,000 or more from our International Database.  America Counts