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Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Media advisory - Minister Solomon to give remarks at groundbreaking ceremony for new Carbon Upcycling facility
MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, will give remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony for Carbon Upcycling's new facility. He will speak on behalf on the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. Following the ceremony, Minister Solomon will host a brief media scrum. Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Time: 10AM ET Location: Mississauga, Ontario Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at [email protected] to receive event location details and confirm their attendance. Stay connected Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website. Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. X (Twitter): @ISED_CA | Facebook: Canadian Innovation | Instagram: @cdninnovation | SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Contacts: Sofia Ouslis, Press Secretary l Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario, Attachée de presse l Ministre de l'IA, de l'Innovation numérique et de l'Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l'Ontario, 343-542-0152 l [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected]
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Minister Hajdu represents Canada at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Français
NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, concluded a series of engagements at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York City from July 21 to 23, 2025. The Forum is an opportunity for UN countries to gather and discuss progress made toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals are a collective call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and build a just, peaceful and inclusive world for all. Minister Hajdu presented Canada's National Statement on the SDGs, reaffirming our country's work towards international collaboration and in advancing the 2030 Agenda. Minister Hajdu emphasized our collective duty to work with national and international partners to drive meaningful change and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world, for the next generations. On July 22, Minister Hajdu participated in the High-Level Dialogue on Adequate Housing for All, alongside Bob Rae, Canada's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, in his capacity as President of the UN Economic and Social Council. This session highlighted Canada's focus on housing as a key strategy for reducing poverty, promoting equity, and fostering an inclusive society. On the Forum's final day, Minister Hajdu hosted Canada's official side event on inclusive and sustainable jobs. This event brought together diverse stakeholders to explore how digital education, disability inclusion, and private sector engagement can help build more inclusive economies. While at the UN, Minister Hajdu and Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection for the Republic of Moldova, also signed a Declaration of Intent to establish a Canada-Moldova Social Security Agreement. This marks a key step in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing shared goals of inclusion, equity and resilience. Canada is focused on advancing the 2030 Agenda both domestically and internationally. While the Government of Canada leads this initiative, partnerships with other orders of government, stakeholders, Indigenous Peoples, and the public are crucial for our collective success. Quotes "Amid global challenges, forums like the UN High Level Political Forum remind us that we are not alone, and we are stronger when we stand united. To create a fairer and more sustainable future for everyone in Canada, we are collaborating with reliable trading partners and allies around the world and championing efforts to advance the SDGs. The UN High Level Political Forum is strengthening international partnerships and securing the future for the next generations so that no one is left behind." – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario "As we approach 2030, Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the SDGs at home and abroad. Our engagement at the HLPF reflects our belief that global cooperation is necessary to accelerate action and help shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world for everyone." – Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development) Quick facts The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a 15-year global framework that was adopted by Canada and by all United Nations Member States in 2015. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call to action by all countries to address today's most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges through global partnership. This year's United Nations High-Level Political Forum focused on the following five goals: SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 14 (Life below water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The High-Level Political Forum serves as the main UN platform for Sustainable Development, playing a central role in the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda at the global level. Canada and the Sustainable Development Goals Moving forward together: Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy
Cision Canada
10-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Federal government extends Employment Insurance temporary measure to help workers impacted by U.S. tariffs
GATINEAU, QC, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by the United States and other trading partners continue to hurt Canadian workers and employers. In response, the federal government introduced measures to support workers with timely and reliable access to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, particularly those in sectors and regions heavily impacted by US tariffs. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), announced the extension of the temporary adjustment to EI regional unemployment rates until October 11, 2025. This decision continues to reduce the hours required to qualify for regular benefits to no higher than 630 hours and increases the weeks of entitlement by up to four additional weeks. The Government continues to be engaged in negotiations on a broader trading arrangement with the United States with a primary focus on getting the best deal for Canadian workers and businesses. At the same time, it is equally important to help affected Canadian workers access the income support they need during this difficult and uncertain time. Quotes "Workers are the backbone of the economy, and in the face of tariffs, we are putting forward measures that make a meaningful difference to their lives. These measures will help workers access the income support they need in the current economic uncertainty. Along with our efforts to create one Canadian economy, with more opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers, we are building the foundations for a Canada strong." – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario "Unjustified tariffs are hurting Canadians, but we're standing with workers. This extension ensures continued income support as we push to end harmful trade barriers and protect good jobs across the country." – The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour) Quick facts On March 23, 2025, the federal government introduced new temporary EI measures to support Canadian workers whose jobs are impacted by the current economic uncertainty caused by these tariffs. These measures include: adjusting the EI regional unemployment rates upward by one percentage point in all EI regions, up to a maximum of 13.1%, with no region seeing an unemployment rate below 7.1%; temporarily waiving the one-week EI waiting period so that workers are able to receive benefits for the first week of unemployment, helping unemployed workers more easily adjust to a drop in income. All claimant types (regular, special, fishing) are eligible for this measure; and suspending the treatment of monies paid on separation (e.g. severance pay), so that these do not need to be used up before claimants are able to start receiving EI benefits. The measure extended today was set to expire on July 12, while the other two are in effect until October 11, 2025. Over 290,000 workers are expected to benefit from this extension. In addition to the three EI temporary measures, additional flexibilities to the Work-Sharing Program were also introduced in March 2025 to allow more businesses and employees to participate in the Program. The Work-Sharing Program provides EI benefits to eligible employees who agree with their employer to work reduced hours due to a decrease in business activity beyond their employer's control. This helps employers retain experienced workers and avoid layoffs and helps workers maintain their employment and skills while supplementing the reduced wages with EI benefits. As of June 28, 2025, Service Canada has signed more than 700 Work-Sharing Agreements with businesses and workers impacted by tariffs. These agreements cover almost 27,200 workers and are helping to avert almost 10,200 layoffs. Associated links The Government of Canada introduces new employment insurance measures to support Canadian workers impacted by foreign tariffs Follow us on X (Twitter) SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Cision Canada
10-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada's AI Adoption Accelerates, Driving Growth for Industries: Nearly $100M Invested in 23 New Projects Through SCALE AI's Latest Funding Round
MONTREAL , July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - SCALE AI, Canada's global innovation cluster in artificial intelligence (AI), announced today a total of $98.6 million in investments to support 23 new applied AI projects. With this latest round of investments, SCALE AI is contributing to the acceleration of AI adoption across multiple industries through the deployment of new, advanced solutions, helping to strengthen the economy and boost national productivity. While SCALE AI is funding projects from coast to coast, today's announcement supports initiatives led by businesses in Quebec adopting AI technologies, demonstrating a remarkable diversity of use cases, ranging from planning and scheduling aircraft maintenance, forecasting retail demand and optimizing inventory, to deploying AI-driven sorting lines in recycling centres, among other innovative applications. Mobilizing both public and private capital is essential to scaling transformative technologies like AI, as it helps de-risk major innovation investments and creates the right conditions for businesses to adopt cutting-edge technologies with confidence. The projects announced today were financed with a 2-to-1 ratio of private investment to public funds, reflecting a clear understanding among businesses of how AI can accelerate their growth and productivity. The announcement took place at SCALE AI's offices in the presence of Evan Solomon , Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. The event also offered the Minister a platform to engage and discuss with major enterprises integrating AI into their operations, alongside SMEs and startups driving innovation through the development of Canadian AI technologies. This recent round of investments reinforces Canada's AI ecosystem by supporting homegrown AI developers to grow and scale, and enabling the broader AI ecosystem to bring innovations to market and compete globally. Quotes "AI is one of the most powerful drivers of Canada's future economy. By investing in real-world applications through SCALE AI, we're turning Canadian innovation into productivity—across manufacturing, transport, and beyond. This is how Canada leads: by building, adopting, and scaling homegrown solutions."— The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario " Canada is a pioneer in artificial intelligence, and today we are turning our early innovations into competitive advantages for Canadian industry. The federal government is working with partners like SCALE AI to grow our economy through the implementation of AI solutions across many sectors, spurring growth and attracting investment to Quebec and across Canada ." — The Honourable Mélanie Joly , Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions "This announcement clearly illustrates the accelerating adoption of AI across Canada . AI is no longer confined to a small circle of tech players — it is now emerging as a strategic lever across an increasingly diverse range of sectors. New industries are boldly embracing this transformation, driven by ambitious use cases and the growing uptake of a wide spectrum of technologies, from proven systems to the most advanced generative AI solutions. This momentum, which SCALE AI is actively supporting through this funding round, reflects a new level of maturity in our ecosystem and confirms that AI is becoming a cross-cutting and lasting driver of competitiveness for the Canadian economy." — Julien Billot , CEO of SCALE AI "We are witnessing the outstanding strides Canadian industry has made in leveraging AI across all industries. AI solutions and products have unparalleled potential to reshape business models, refine decision-making processes, and empower workforces to unlock the full potential of organizations. Our vision is clear: to create a future where AI becomes an essential pillar of every Canadian business strategy. Canada is well placed to play a leading role in this massive technological revolution, thanks first and foremost to the excellence of our research and talent. SCALE AI works at the intersection of business and academia, building the connective tissue of Canada's AI ecosystem. By co-investing in high-impact projects and nurturing a dynamic network of startups, service providers, researchers and adopters, SCALE AI is accelerating the commercialization of AI." — Hélène Desmarais, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, SCALE AI 23 New Projects Representing Investments of $98 .6 Million To learn more about the projects, click here. → Precision Immunology (Phase 1 & Phase 2) Partners: CellCarta, Epitopea, Aramis Biotechnologies, GENAIZ, York University SCALE AI investment: $3.7 million Total investment: $11.5 million → Optimizing the Steel Supply Chain With AI Partners: Groupe ADF Inc., DPHV – D'Aronco, Pineau, Hébert, Varin, Nova steel, Vooban SCALE AI investment: $3.2 million Total investment: $12 million → Strategic Aftermarket Modelling (SAM) – (Phase 1 & Phase 2) Partners: Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc., McKinsey & Company, Vooban, Moov AI, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII) SCALE AI investment: $3 million Total investment: $13.9 million → NIC™: Mining Operations Management Platform Partners: ArcelorMittal Exploitation minière Canada s.e.n.c., HalfSerious, AÇAÏ, Université Laval - Institut Intelligence et Données SCALE AI investment: $2.7 million Total investment: $7.8 million → Development of Automated Material Characterization Systems in Material Recovery Facilities Partners: Industries Machinex Inc., Seika Logiciel Inc., Centre en imagerie numérique et médias interactifs (CIMMI), Updata, Tricentris SCALE AI investment: $2 million Total investment: $5.6 million → Rio Tinto – RailVu – Optimization of the Rail Network With AI Partners: Rio Tinto Iron Ore Company of Canada, QNS&L – Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, SimWell, Tata Steel Minerals Canada, Tacora, Port de Sept-Îles, MFQ - Minerai de fer Québec, Claude-Guy Quimper from Institute Intelligence and data - Université Laval SCALE AI investment: $1.7 million Total investment: $4.4 million → AI-Driven Demand Forecasting Partners: Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., Multitech Valorisation Inc., IVADO Labs SCALE AI investment: $1.6 million Total investment: $4 million → Flyer Production Automation Partners: Transcontinental Inc., Canadian Tire Corporation,IVADO Labs, KPDI Digital SCALE AI investment: $1 million Total investment: $2.5 million → Avianor: Planning and Scheduling of Aircraft Repair Partners: Avianor Inc., PAMC, Air Canada, Vooban. SCALE AI investment: $1.2 million Total investment: $2.9 million → AI-Enhanced ERP for Driving Manufacturing Productivity Partners: Genius Solutions, Machitech, LG Cloutier Group, Osedea, Catalytik Innovation SCALE AI investment: $1million Total investment: $2.6 million → Nordfab—SaCad Project Partners: Groupe NordFab, Prestolam Inc., Christian Marcoux cuisine et mobilier design, Vooban, SIMR SCALE AI investment: $0.9 million Total investment: $2.1 million → Preventing Demand for Direct-to-Store Delivery Partners: CIS Group, Boulangerie St-Méthode, Dion Herbes & Épices, Moov AI SCALE AI investment: $0.9 million Total investment: $2.9 million → Generative AI Assistance for In-Store Operations Optimization Partners: Canac-Marquis Grenier Ltee, Frontleap, SCALE AI investment: $0.9 million Total investment: $1.7 million → CollectorOPT Partners: RPM Environnement Ltée d.b.a. RPM ECO (MC), Oscal, Vooban, Inovestor, Sanza Inc. SCALE AI investment: $0.7 million Total investment: $1.8 million → AI-Powered Knowledge Leadership Partners: Cossette Communication Inc., Hivelighter SCALE AI investment: $0.7 million Total investment: $1.7 million → Intelligent Management of Construction Plans and Resources Partners: Groupe Humaco, Manugypse Inc., Lefebvre & Benoit, Vooban, Génisys Groupe Conseil SCALE AI investment: $0.5 million Total investment: $1.3 million → Demand Forecasting and Fulfillment Optimization Partners: Avantis Coopérative, BMR, Quincaillerie Richelieu Ltée, Société Les Peintures Pittsburgh, Vooban SCALE AI investment: $0.4 million Total investment: $1.1 million → Enhancing E-Commerce Search (Phase 1 & Phase 2) Partners: Coveo Solutions Inc., IVADO Labs, Lee Valley Tools, Canac-Marquis Grenier Ltee SCALE AI investment: $4.5 million Total investment: $16.1 million → Accelerating ZetaForge GenAI-Powered Digital Transformations Platform Partners: Zetane Systems, IVACO Rolling Mills, Trinary, Maison Social SCALE AI investment: $0.6 million Total investment: $1.6 million → Qualification and Intelligent Writing of a Call for Proposals Partners: Umaneo, Groupe GEYSER, Groupe Baillargeon-MSA, Tessier Récréo-Parc Inc. SCALE AI investment: $0.5 million Total investment: $1.1 million About SCALE AI ( SCALE AI is Canada's global innovation cluster in artificial intelligence (AI). Based in Toronto and Montreal , SCALE AI plays a central role as the main unifying force of the Canadian AI ecosystem. As an investment and innovation hub, it accelerates the rapid adoption and integration of AI into the Canadian economy while contributing to the development of a world-class AI ecosystem. Funded by the Government of Canada , SCALE AI brings together over 500 industry partners, research institutes, and other key players in AI. It provides strategic and financial support to companies implementing real-world AI applications, aiming to encourage the emergence of future industry leaders and facilitate the development of a highly skilled workforce. Additionally, SCALE AI is behind ALL IN, Canada's largest AI event that allows Canadian actors to showcase their expertise in front of an international audience from around the globe. For more information about SCALE AI, visit or LinkedIn. SOURCE Scale AI Eric Aach, [email protected], 514-569-3594
Cision Canada
25-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada opens applications for the AI Compute Access Fund
Fund will support Canadian SMEs in accessing high-performance compute capacity OTTAWA, ON, June 25, 2025 /CNW/ - As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape our world, the Government of Canada seeks to harness AI's opportunities, mitigate its risks and foster trust. With strategic government investments and support for responsible AI adoption, Canada will grow its AI ecosystem and enhance productivity across the country. Today, the Government of Canada opened applications for the AI Compute Access Fund, a key initiative under the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy. This fund will provide up to $300 million for affordable access to compute power for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to develop made-in-Canada AI products and solutions. A due diligence assessment of each project proposal will be conducted to evaluate: the organization's capacity and experience to implement the project the project's ability to achieve AI Compute Access Fund objectives the viability, impact and benefits of the project to Canada Investing in AI is vital to building the strongest economy in the G7. The Government of Canada remains steadfast in supporting the nation's AI ecosystem with strategic investments that will drive both economic growth and responsible technological advancement. With this commitment, the government is unlocking new opportunities for prosperity, resiliency and national security, while strengthening Canada's leadership position in the global AI landscape. The Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, including the Access Fund, will help: scale Canada's AI industry increase productivity and drive AI adoption rates across the country make high-performance computing more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses foster groundbreaking, made-in-Canada AI solutions in sectors such as life sciences, energy and advanced manufacturing With the AI Compute Access Fund and the broader $2 billion Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, the government is ensuring that Canadian innovators have the tools they need to compete, drive discoveries and create new jobs in a modern, tech-enabled economy. Quote "The AI Compute Access Fund will help break down barriers and empower businesses and entrepreneurs to develop made-in-Canada solutions. By supporting Canadians across the country in accessing world-class computing infrastructure, we will boost productivity, drive economic growth and ensure that Canada's digital future is secure and innovative." – The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Quick facts Through the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, which was launched in December 2024, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments in public and commercial infrastructure to ensure that Canadian innovators, businesses and researchers have access to the compute capacity they need. Public consultations on the strategy took place in summer 2024, receiving input from more than 1,000 stakeholders from research, industry and civil society through in-person and virtual round table discussions and an online survey. The Government of Canada is allocating $2 billion from Budget 2024 through a series of investments to meet the short-, medium- and long-term compute needs of our world-leading innovators, businesses and researchers: Up to $300 million through the AI Compute Access Fund to support the purchase of AI compute resources by innovative Canadian SMEs. This will meet the near-term needs of businesses as the government encourages increased private capital to build domestic compute capacity. Up to $700 million to support projects from industry, academia and the private sector to build Canadian AI data centres. There will be an application process for these funds, with priority given to Canadian projects that can demonstrate a high rate of return on public investment, sustainability and other markers of success. Up to $705 million for a new AI supercomputing system through the AI Sovereign Compute Infrastructure Program. This state-of-the-art, Canadian-owned and -located supercomputing system will support researchers and a cross-section of industry, and it will exponentially increase the compute power currently available in Canada. In addition, a smaller secure computing system, to be led by Shared Services Canada and the National Research Council of Canada, will be established for government and industry to perform research and development, including for national security purposes. In the near term, up to $200 million will be provided to augment existing public compute infrastructure to address immediate needs. The AI Compute Access Fund was launched in March 2025 to address barriers to AI development in sectors that require high-performance computing capacity and have high potential for AI adoption. Eligible SMEs can apply by submitting a statement of interest through the online portal. At the 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada and its G7 partners agreed to a G7 AI Adoption Roadmap to help SMEs adopt AI to drive productivity and competitiveness. Through the AI Compute Access Fund, Canada is meeting its G7 commitments, placing funding and targeted support for Canadian SMEs where it matters. Associated links Stay connected Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website. SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
