logo
Norcast ML Concrete Products - A Meadow Lake Partnership Acquires Heidelberg Materials' Meadow Lake Concrete Operations

Norcast ML Concrete Products - A Meadow Lake Partnership Acquires Heidelberg Materials' Meadow Lake Concrete Operations

Cision Canada2 days ago
, Aug. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - a new collaboration between Norcast Concrete Ltd. and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council Resource Development (MLTC RDI) representing nine member First Nations, is proud to announce the acquisition of Heidelberg Materials' ready-mix concrete operations in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.
This acquisition was completed under Norcast ML Concrete Products LP, a majority Indigenous-owned entity. The transaction reflects a shared vision of advancing Indigenous economic development, strengthening regional infrastructure, and building long-term prosperity through local ownership and investment.
"This partnership represents a meaningful step forward for Norcast and for the Meadow Lake region," said Andrew Ardell, of Norcast Concrete Ltd. "Together with MLTC, we are committed to growing this business with a focus on local employment, service excellence, and community impact."
"Our First Nations are directly participating in the regional economy through ownership and leadership in a vital industry," said Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman, Meadow Lake Tribal Council. "This venture provides new opportunities for employment, training, and long-term value creation for our people."
The facility will continue operating with no disruption to customers, while the new ownership works to expand its service offerings across northwestern Saskatchewan. Existing staff are expected to be retained, with an emphasis on building capacity through local hiring and skills development.
This acquisition reinforces the value of Indigenous-led partnerships in building stronger, more inclusive economies — and marks a new chapter for the concrete industry in Meadow Lake.
About Norcast Concrete Ltd.
Norcast Concrete Ltd., based in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, is a leading supplier of ready-mix concrete in northern Saskatchewan, focused on quality, reliability and community-first operations.
About Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC)
MLTC represents nine First Nations in northwestern Saskatchewan, leading initiatives in health, education, and economic development to support vibrant, self-sustaining communities.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NFL gets 10% ESPN stake as part of sweeping media asset deal
NFL gets 10% ESPN stake as part of sweeping media asset deal

Canada News.Net

time7 hours ago

  • Canada News.Net

NFL gets 10% ESPN stake as part of sweeping media asset deal

LOS ANGELES, California: ESPN is set to expand its football footprint in a landmark deal with the NFL that will give the Disney-owned network control of several key league media properties, including NFL Network, in exchange for the NFL acquiring a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN. The transaction, announced this week, is subject to regulatory approval. No official valuation was disclosed, but analysts estimate the NFL's stake could be worth between US$2 billion and $3 billion. "Tough to estimate a value except that it's in the multi-billions," said sports marketing analyst Bob Dorfman. "The NFL seems to have no ceiling on growth and value; with all the content beyond the actual games, it's become a year-round sport. And it's only going to grow internationally." As part of the agreement, ESPN will also take over NFL Fantasy, a popular digital platform, and gain distribution rights for NFL RedZone to cable and satellite customers. "Today's announcement paves the way for the world's leading sports media brand and America's most popular sport to deliver an even more compelling experience for NFL fans, in a way that only ESPN and Disney can," said Disney CEO Robert Iger. The deal comes as ESPN prepares to launch its standalone streaming service, expected as early as this month, priced at $29.99 per month. The service will feature coverage of the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, and more, along with shows like SportsCenter and Pardon the Interruption. "By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN's reach and innovation, we're creating a premier destination for football fans," said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. The NFL Network, launched by the league in 2003, will now be operated by ESPN and continue airing seven games per season. While the channel helped launch Thursday Night Football, it never became a direct competitor to ESPN. "The network's sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. RedZone, which provides live look-ins during scoring drives on Sunday afternoons, will remain owned and produced by the NFL, which retains digital distribution rights. The NFL will also continue to own other media assets, including NFL Films, the NFL Podcast Network, and the NFL+ streaming service.

Prime Minister Carney engages Métis leadership on the Building Canada Act Français
Prime Minister Carney engages Métis leadership on the Building Canada Act Français

Cision Canada

time7 hours ago

  • Cision Canada

Prime Minister Carney engages Métis leadership on the Building Canada Act Français

OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 7, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada's new government is ready to get our country building major infrastructure projects again – in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, convened the Métis Major Projects Summit in Ottawa to discuss the Building Canada Act and hear from Métis leaders on how best to work together. During the Summit, the Prime Minister and Métis leadership discussed how the Building Canada Act will enable Canada's new government to build big things that will connect and transform the national economy – driving greater prosperity for Métis through equity ownership and resource management projects. They focused on how the Government of Canada and Métis leaders will work together to build these projects. To ensure effective partnership with Indigenous Peoples, the federal government is moving forward with several new measures, including: Standing up an Indigenous Advisory Council that will work closely with the new Major Federal Projects Office. Comprised of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit, as well as Modern Treaty and Self-Government representatives, the Advisory Council will help ensure Indigenous perspectives and priorities are integrated at each stage. Both the Major Federal Projects Office and the Indigenous Advisory Council will be operational by Labour Day. Dedicating $40 million in funding for Indigenous participation. From early discussions on which projects to prioritize to ongoing capacity-building, new funding streams will support meaningful participation of Indigenous leadership in major projects. Expanding the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. Canada's new government has doubled the program to $10 billion, enabling more Indigenous communities to acquire full equity ownership of major projects. The government has substantially broadened the types of projects that are eligible for Métis equity participation through this financing from across the natural resource and energy sectors, from electricity generation to carbon capture, to critical minerals and beyond. The Prime Minister and Métis leaders affirmed their commitment to work together on advancing shared priorities. Today's Summit built on previous meetings in recent weeks with First Nations and Inuit leaders, in Gatineau and Inuvik respectively. Collaboration will continue to further advance these conversations on a distinctions basis. Quotes "We are turning challenge into opportunity – and we're doing so in partnership. Bill C-5 is enabling legislation that allows for new ways of working together. Through Indigenous equity and resource management, we will build ports, bridges, highways, and other major infrastructure projects in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and communities. This Summit marked an important step forward in that effort as we work to build transformative projects in true partnership with Métis." — The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada "Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples are at the heart of the One Canadian Economy Act. The Métis Major Projects Summit marks a crucial step in making Canada the strongest economy in the G7 while ensuring that Métis rights holders, and all Indigenous Peoples, are direct and meaningful participants in reaching that objective." — The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy "Métis communities have long demonstrated strength, innovation, and leadership in shaping this country – and their voices, priorities, and economic aspirations are vital to our future. The work we're doing here together is helping build a more resilient and inclusive Canada, grounded in partnership, sustainability, and shared prosperity." — The Hon. Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "As we move forward in this chapter of our country's history, we will ensure our work with Métis holds their decision-making, innovation, and values at the forefront. I am pleased to participate in today's dialogue to discuss openly about the Building Canada Act. An inclusive economy is essential to a strong, shared future built with and for Indigenous Peoples." — The Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services "I know first-hand the determination, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit that runs through our communities. Métis are ready to play an active role in shaping and strengthening Canada's economy. Together, we will work with Métis communities to drive impactful change." — The Hon. Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency "Right now, Canada has a tremendous opportunity to strengthen our economy and secure our sovereignty in a way that advances reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and will provide prosperity for generations of Métis. With meaningful collaboration, we can create opportunity in Métis communities across the country as we enhance our energy security and develop our resources." — The Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Quick facts The Building Canada Act ensures consultation with Métis and other Indigenous Peoples is built into the implementation process for determining whether a project should be listed under the Act as a project of national interest and for the development of the conditions document. The Government of Canada will advance nation-building projects while respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. The Indigenous Advisory Council will work closely with the Major Federal Projects Office to provide Indigenous perspectives for consideration at each stage. It will not replace consultation under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation is responsible for managing the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. Loan guarantees are available to support Indigenous equity participation in projects of various sizes, reflecting the diversity of opportunities and economic development priorities in Indigenous communities across Canada. By advancing national interest projects, the Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to support economic prosperity, grounded in respect for constitutionally protected rights and modern treaty obligations.

Paramount and Skydance close their $8 billion merger, kicking off reign of new entertainment giant
Paramount and Skydance close their $8 billion merger, kicking off reign of new entertainment giant

Winnipeg Free Press

time11 hours ago

  • Winnipeg Free Press

Paramount and Skydance close their $8 billion merger, kicking off reign of new entertainment giant

NEW YORK (AP) — Skydance and Paramount officially closed their $8 billion merger on Thursday — kicking off the reign of a new entertainment giant after a contentious, over year-long endeavor to get the transaction over the finish line. The new company — which will trade under the 'PSKY' ticker on Wall Street — brings Paramount's legacy Hollywood footprint, major TV networks like CBS and MTV, streaming services and more under the roof of a new power player: billionaire Skydance founder David Ellison. 'Today marks an exciting and pivotal moment as we prepare to bring Paramount's legacy as a Hollywood institution into the future of entertainment,' Ellison, who is now Chairman and CEO of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, said in a statement. He added that he aims to 'honor exceptional storytelling while modernizing how we make and deliver content.' The merger's close came just two weeks after it received regulatory approval from the Trump administration. While now a done deal, the path towards that approval was far from smooth sailing. Months of scrutiny and turmoil surrounded the transaction — particularly amid President Donald Trump's legal battle with '60 Minutes,' the crown jewel of Paramount-owned broadcast network CBS. With the specter of the Trump administration potentially blocking the hard-fought deal with Skydance, Paramount agreed to pay a $16 million settlement to the president in early July. Critics of the settlement lambasted it as a veiled bribe to appease Trump, amid rising alarm over editorial independence overall. Further outrage also emerged after CBS said it was canceling Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' just days after the comedian sharply criticized the parent company's settlement on air. Paramount cited financial reasons, but big names both within and outside the company have questioned those motives. When still seeking approval to buy Paramount from the Federal Communication Commission, Skydance management assured regulators that it would carefully watch for any perceived bias at CBS News and hire an ombudsman to review any complaints about fairness. In filings just last month, the company's general counsel maintained that New Paramount will embody 'a diversity of viewpoints across the political and ideological spectrum' — and also noted that it plans to take a 'comprehensive review' of CBS to make 'any necessary changes.' By the time the deal was approved, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hailed the merger as an opportunity to bring more balance to 'once-storied' CBS. 'Americans no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly. It is time for a change,' Carr said. Carr also pointed to other commitments from Skydance — including company assurances about ending diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at Paramount. In a letter addressed to Carr days before the FCC's greenlight, Skydance wrote to 'confirm the elimination' of DEI initiatives previously in place at Paramount — and maintained that Skydance 'does not have DEI programs in place today and will not establish such initiatives.' Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Skydance pointed to the Supreme Court's 2023 decision on affirmative action in college admissions, but such moves also arrive amid the Trump administration's wider crackdown on DEI in the workplace — and the company cited recent federal mandates impacting employers, too, noting that Paramount announced 'significant changes' to its recruiting and hiring practices in February 2025. The FCC approved the merger by a 2-1 vote on July 24. The regulator who opposed it, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, expressed disdain for how it all came together — pointing to 'months of cowardly capitulation to this administration.' 'In an unprecedented move, this once-independent FCC used its vast power to pressure Paramount to broker a private legal settlement and further erode press freedom,' Gomez, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, said in a statement. She also said the agency overstepped its authority by 'undermining legitimate efforts to combat discrimination and expand opportunity.' Paramount's new leaders will be watched particularly closely for how they deal with CBS News, given the $16 million settlement with Trump following his complaint about last fall's '60 Minutes' interview with his Democratic opponent, then-Vice President Kamala Harris. And the merger could also have ripple effects across other Paramount properties, including its late night and comedy programming. When first announcing the deal in July 2024, Ellison also stressed the need to transition into a 'tech hybrid' to stay competitive in today's entertainment landscape. That included plans to 'rebuild' the Paramount+ streaming service, among wider efforts to expand direct-to-consumer offerings in a world with more entertainment options and shorter attention spans.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store