‘Full Bellies. Happy Hearts.' returns
Kitchener Watch
A campaign for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region has returned to ensure all kids have enough to eat through the summer months.
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Globe and Mail
7 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Cohere launches AI health care agents in the U.S.
Canadian artificial intelligence company Cohere Inc. is entering the health care industry through a partnership with U.S.-based Ensemble Health Partners that uses AI agents to help hospitals and other providers manage their revenue. Cohere, founded in 2019, uses large-language models to build chatbots and generative-AI platforms for enterprise customers to automate some tasks. The partnership with Ensemble, launched Tuesday, uses a customized version of the North by Cohere platform that will run on health care providers' internal systems and help with tasks such as hospitals appealing insurance-claim denials and chasing down accounts receivable. The company said pre-launch tests of the tools accelerated denial appeals by 40 per cent and improved denial overturn rates by 15 per cent. Running on internal systems is a key part of how the AI system protects the safety of patients' information and complies with privacy law, said Cohere co-founder Ivan Zhang. 'There's no data leaving their system, because all the agents are in the house,' he said. Because of those privacy concerns, Mr. Zhang said the AI has to be trained on synthetic data, which would be similar to real-world data in likeness and structure but without any protected personal information. The foray into health-care follows Cohere's work in the financial sector, which has to adhere to similar privacy rules. In January, the company announced a partnership with Royal Bank of Canada to co-develop and run a customized platform called North for Banking which, among other things, helps employees answer questions from customers. Mr. Zhang said Cohere is focused on the U.S. market for now, but hopes to have more to announce for Canadian health-care soon. 'So far, we are focused on the U.S. markets. We want to take these learnings and adapt it to different systems in Canada and globally,' he said. Cohere did not disclose any financial terms or which U.S. clients are using the AI platform. The company also received a nod Tuesday from new federal AI minister Evan Solomon. In a speech in Ottawa, Mr. Solomon outlined the government's new approach to AI, saying it would shift from 'warnings and regulation' to celebrating industry 'champions' such as Cohere. Mr. Zhang said he was 'delighted' by the support and said there was a strong case to be made that investments in AI were part of strengthening Canada's economy and security. 'We've been very happy about the government's engagement so far,' he said.
CBC
7 minutes ago
- CBC
Patience, kindness key to aiding wildfire evacuees from Sandy Lake First Nation
Social Sharing Support workers at the evacuation hub in Thunder Bay, Ont., have been working non-stop to make sure wildfire evacuees from Sandy Lake First Nation have what they need. The Canadian Armed Forces were called in on Sunday to assist with evacuation efforts in the remote Oji-Cree community, located in Treaty 5 territory about 600 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay. Since then, hundreds of people have been transported to Thunder Bay on Hercules aircraft. As soon as people land at the Thunder Bay International Airport, members of Sandy Lake's band rep program have been ushering them to an evacuation hub set up inside, where they can access food, water and essential supplies they may not have been able to bring with them. While provincial and federal partners have also provided on the ground support, community members themselves have been leading the way in taking care of each other. "People are concerned about their pets, they're concerned about the loved ones that wanted to stay in community … and they're concerned about losing their luggage. They're concerned about having everything they need," said Jennifer Kakegamic, an All My Relations prevention worker with the band rep program. Evacuation efforts underway as wildfire burns near Sandy Lake First Nation 5 hours ago Duration 3:40 Canada's military is assisting in efforts to get vulnerable people out of Sandy Lake First Nation in northwestern Ontario as a large wildfire burns in the area. "There's people that are up north that are on suboxone programs as well that are really concerned about their prescriptions carrying forward, so we're trying to get all that arranged for them." Evacuees have been staying in hotels or dorm rooms at Lakehead University for a night or two before being sent to one of three host communities: Kapuskasing, Cornwall or Mississauga. "Lakehead University is acting as a host, welcoming evacuees into our residences so they have safe shelter during their travels and providing some fun, supportive activities for the children, such as arts and crafts and sports," Lakehead University said in an emailed statement to CBC News on Tuesday. "Currently, Lakehead has welcomed 530 evacuees, with more than 200 people expected to arrive still. Lakehead University is grateful that we can open our doors, acting as a good neighbour during this terribly difficult time, and we wish the evacuees safe travels as they move through this tragic situation." Sandy Lake's evacuation was prompted by Red Lake 12, the largest wildfire in northwestern Ontario at more than 156,000 hectares. However, recent rainfall, cooler temperatures and gentler winds have stunted the fire's growth since Sunday, offering some reprieve to firerangers on the front lines. "Everyone's frustrated. Nobody's knowing where they're going, how long they're going to be gone," Kakegamic said. "Everyone's just learning to be patient, learning to be kind to one another." Elsewhere in the region, evacuations are continuing for a number of other First Nations: Evacuees from Deer Lake First Nation are staying in Toronto due to Red Lake 12. Evacuees from Webequie First Nation are in Barrie due to the Nipigon 5 wildfire. North Spirit Lake First Nation and Keewaywin First Nations have called for community evacuations; CBC News is awaiting more information about where community members will be sent. Members of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations were staying in Niagara Falls from mid-May to early June due to wildfire Kenora 20, but were cleared to return home on Friday. A spokesperson for Ontario's ministry of emergency preparedness and response provided an emailed statement to CBC News on Monday. "Our government will continue to work in co-ordination with the federal government, Indigenous leadership, and the Canadian Armed Forces to ensure safe evacuations for the residents of Sandy Lake First Nation," said Joseph D'Angelo. "All evacuees will be provided comprehensive wraparound services including healthcare, education supports and social services. Thank you to Kapuskasing, Mississauga and Cornwall for opening up their communities to host and support evacuees. We will continue to work around the clock to ensure all residents impacted by these devastating wildfires are safe and supported." Impact on people's mental health Vincent Agyapong is head of the psychiatry department at Dalhousie University's faculty of medicine. He endured the Fort McMurray evacuation in 2016, when a wildfire known as "The Beast" forced 80,000 people to flee their homes. "They just left from work and just came out there with absolutely nothing," Agyapong recalled of the six-hour drive evacuees made to safety at an oilsands camp. "The stress was very palpable." Wildfire evacuations can create a range of emotions for those affected, he said, from anger to frustration to an overwhelming sense of panic. "There's a lot of uncertainty about, really, what the future holds for themselves and for their community," Agyapong said. As he empathizes with wildfire evacuees in northwestern Ontario, Agyapong said it's important for them to take care of their mental well-being. "It's important that people avoid [the] use of drugs and alcohol in particular when they are going through a traumatic situation. Usually they indulge more and more, and it only worsens their psychological well-being," he said. Studies have also shown the positive impact that exercise, a balanced diet and social connections have on people's mental health. Random acts of kindness also go a long way, he added. As of Tuesday morning, a few more Hercules planes were expected to depart from Sandy Lake for Phase 1 of the evacuation. Sandy Lake evacuees have been repeating a motto at the evacuation hub in Thunder Bay: "don't panic, eat bannock."
National Post
28 minutes ago
- National Post
Next-Level Skin Rejuvenation: Canada MedLaser Launches Exosome Therapy with Microneedling in Ontario
Article content Article content TORONTO — Canada MedLaser Clinics, a leading and trusted name in medical aesthetics across Ontario, proudly announces the launch of its newest offering: Exosome Therapy combined with Microneedling. This advanced, non-invasive regenerative skincare solution is now available at all clinic locations, ushering in a new era of natural skin rejuvenation and repair. Article content Article content This advanced skincare treatment brings together two powerful technologies— Microneedling, known for stimulating collagen production, and Exosome Therapy, which delivers regenerative stem cell-derived nano-vesicles to revitalize the skin from within. Together, they help restore skin's youthful glow, improve texture and tone, and support deep cellular healing—often with visible results in just a few sessions. Article content With this launch, Canada MedLaser Clinics continues its mission to blend cutting-edge medical science with thoughtful aesthetic care. The team believes this new offering is a meaningful step forward for clients seeking real results with minimal disruption to their busy lives. Article content Exosomes Article content are microscopic, messenger-rich vesicles (30–150 nanometers) that carry growth factors, proteins, and RNA (ribonucleic acid)—naturally supporting the body's repair mechanisms. When applied topically following microneedling, these exosomes penetrate more deeply and efficiently, supercharging the skin's ability to restore itself. The treatment is especially effective for fine lines, acne scars, sun damage, and dull or uneven skin. Article content Unlike more invasive options, this gentle-yet-powerful treatment is safe for a wide variety of skin types—including sensitive skin—and involves little to no downtime, allowing patients to quickly resume their daily activities. Treatments are carefully personalized based on each client's specific skin condition and aesthetic goals, and are expertly delivered by our certified medical aestheticians in a controlled, clinical setting, ensuring utmost safety and efficacy. Article content Now available at Canada MedLaser's clinics in Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, and Yorkville, this new therapy underscores the company's continued dedication to offering the most effective and innovative treatments in the aesthetics field. Article content About Canada MedLaser Clinics Article content Canada MedLaser Clinics is a top-tier provider of advanced skin and laser treatments, recognized for seamlessly integrating innovative technology with personalized client care. With a growing network of modern clinics across Ontario and a dedicated team of certified professionals, the company offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced anti-aging skincare solutions, cosmetic injections, and laser treatments for men and women. Canada MedLaser is committed to delivering exceptional safety, proven efficacy, and consistently natural-looking results that enhance each client's unique beauty. Article content Article content Article content
