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Cision Canada
5 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
2025 MNP Municipal Report: Canadian local governments lean into AI and analytics to drive meaningful progress
New report from MNP and Leger reveals the barriers, priorities, and progress shaping local government modernization in 2025 CALGARY, AB, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Local governments across Canada are advancing how they use data and artificial intelligence (AI) to better serve their communities. By addressing resource needs, improving data accessibility, and developing internal capabilities, municipalities are poised to drive more consistent outcomes across the country. According to MNP's latest Municipal Report, developed in partnership with Leger, 23 percent of Canadian municipalities are currently using AI, though over half are actively exploring or planning adoption. What's driving this momentum? A push for more efficient service delivery, better decision-making, and stronger community connections. Building on insights from MNP's 2024 and 2023 Municipal Reports, this year's edition reflects responses from 282 local and regional governments. The report highlights the changes in priorities, persistent challenges, and emerging tools influencing the municipal landscape today. "Municipalities aren't interested in technology for technology's sake. They're looking for practical solutions that help them solve real problems for real people," says James Richardson, Partner and National Leader of MNP's Municipal Community of Practice. "This report provides insights on the issues and priorities that can help them craft their local approach to making pragmatic, sustainable progress — even in the face of limited budgets or complex systems." What are the top priorities for local governments? This year's study shows local governments remain focused on core responsibilities like cyber security, customer service, and technology modernization. However, emerging priorities such as AI, data analytics, and smart city initiatives have surged in importance. Key municipal priorities in 2025 include: Cyber security and privacy (78%) Citizen experience and service delivery (65%) Technology modernization (63%) Artificial intelligence (48%, more than double from 2024) Smart cities and digital infrastructure (47%, up 12% from 2023) "Across Canada, we're seeing a shift toward data-driven decision making, but it requires more than just new tools," Wendy Gnenz, Partner and National Municipal Digital Leader at MNP. "Municipalities need to embrace a new way of providing programs and services — capitalizing on the vast amounts of data they have at their fingertips. What's standing in the way of progress? While priorities are clear, implementation remains challenging. Municipalities report persistent barriers, including: Insufficient resources (50%) Complicated decision-making processes and outdated procedures (44%, double from 2023) Legacy technology systems (43%) Lack of subject matter expertise (36%) Although overall resource constraints have declined slightly since 2023, issues tied to legacy policies, systems, and risk aversion is becoming more prominent blockers to progress. Nearly one-third of municipalities still lack formal guidelines for using AI, and nearly half rely primarily on Excel for analytics, limiting their ability to extract deeper insights or make predictive decisions. Another challenge lies in cyber security preparedness. While 83 percent of respondents say they feel prepared to manage data privacy and cyber threats, fewer than 35 percent consider themselves very prepared. In response, roughly three out of four identified cyber security training as one of their top internal needs — signalling the growing importance of capacity-building alongside new technology investments. How are municipalities using AI today Among those using AI, the most common applications focus on practical, people-first outcomes: Customer service chatbots and citizen engagement tools Public safety and environmental monitoring Internal HR functions like scheduling and recruitment At the same time, municipalities are prioritizing self-service platforms to improve access and convenience for citizens. These tools include mobile apps and online portals for taxes, permits, issue reporting, and other services. These investments are helping reduce administrative pressure while improving the overall customer experience. Why MNP leads this work As the pace of change accelerates, municipalities don't need a complete overhaul. They need clarity, confidence, and the right resources to keep moving forward. That's why MNP continues to lead this national study. We're committed to being a reference point and thought leader for Canadian local governments — providing relevant insights to help communities navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. Whether they're implementing developing technologies, rethinking service delivery, or building internal capacity, we believe every community deserves a roadmap tailored to its unique needs and realities. This report is one way we support that mission, offering grounded, data-driven perspectives that leaders can use to make informed, people-focused decisions. For survey data, analysis, and expert insights, download the full report here: About MNP LLP National in scope and local in focus, MNP is one of Canada's leading professional services firms — proudly serving individuals, businesses, and organizations since 1958. Through the development of strong relationships, we provide client-focused accounting, consulting, tax, and digital services. Our clients benefit from personalized strategies with a local perspective to fuel success wherever business takes them. For more information, visit
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
2025 MNP Municipal Report: Canadian local governments lean into AI and analytics to drive meaningful progress
New report from MNP and Leger reveals the barriers, priorities, and progress shaping local government modernization in 2025 CALGARY, AB, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Local governments across Canada are advancing how they use data and artificial intelligence (AI) to better serve their communities. By addressing resource needs, improving data accessibility, and developing internal capabilities, municipalities are poised to drive more consistent outcomes across the country. According to MNP's latest Municipal Report, developed in partnership with Leger, 23 percent of Canadian municipalities are currently using AI, though over half are actively exploring or planning adoption. What's driving this momentum? A push for more efficient service delivery, better decision-making, and stronger community connections. Building on insights from MNP's 2024 and 2023 Municipal Reports, this year's edition reflects responses from 282 local and regional governments. The report highlights the changes in priorities, persistent challenges, and emerging tools influencing the municipal landscape today. "Municipalities aren't interested in technology for technology's sake. They're looking for practical solutions that help them solve real problems for real people," says James Richardson, Partner and National Leader of MNP's Municipal Community of Practice. "This report provides insights on the issues and priorities that can help them craft their local approach to making pragmatic, sustainable progress — even in the face of limited budgets or complex systems." What are the top priorities for local governments?This year's study shows local governments remain focused on core responsibilities like cyber security, customer service, and technology modernization. However, emerging priorities such as AI, data analytics, and smart city initiatives have surged in importance. Key municipal priorities in 2025 include: Cyber security and privacy (78%) Citizen experience and service delivery (65%) Technology modernization (63%) Artificial intelligence (48%, more than double from 2024) Smart cities and digital infrastructure (47%, up 12% from 2023) "Across Canada, we're seeing a shift toward data-driven decision making, but it requires more than just new tools," Wendy Gnenz, Partner and National Municipal Digital Leader at MNP. "Municipalities need to embrace a new way of providing programs and services — capitalizing on the vast amounts of data they have at their fingertips. What's standing in the way of progress?While priorities are clear, implementation remains challenging. Municipalities report persistent barriers, including: Insufficient resources (50%) Complicated decision-making processes and outdated procedures (44%, double from 2023) Legacy technology systems (43%) Lack of subject matter expertise (36%) Although overall resource constraints have declined slightly since 2023, issues tied to legacy policies, systems, and risk aversion is becoming more prominent blockers to progress. Nearly one-third of municipalities still lack formal guidelines for using AI, and nearly half rely primarily on Excel for analytics, limiting their ability to extract deeper insights or make predictive decisions. Another challenge lies in cyber security preparedness. While 83 percent of respondents say they feel prepared to manage data privacy and cyber threats, fewer than 35 percent consider themselves very prepared. In response, roughly three out of four identified cyber security training as one of their top internal needs — signalling the growing importance of capacity-building alongside new technology investments. How are municipalities using AI todayAmong those using AI, the most common applications focus on practical, people-first outcomes: Customer service chatbots and citizen engagement tools Public safety and environmental monitoring Internal HR functions like scheduling and recruitment At the same time, municipalities are prioritizing self-service platforms to improve access and convenience for citizens. These tools include mobile apps and online portals for taxes, permits, issue reporting, and other services. These investments are helping reduce administrative pressure while improving the overall customer experience. Why MNP leads this workAs the pace of change accelerates, municipalities don't need a complete overhaul. They need clarity, confidence, and the right resources to keep moving forward. That's why MNP continues to lead this national study. We're committed to being a reference point and thought leader for Canadian local governments — providing relevant insights to help communities navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. Whether they're implementing developing technologies, rethinking service delivery, or building internal capacity, we believe every community deserves a roadmap tailored to its unique needs and realities. This report is one way we support that mission, offering grounded, data-driven perspectives that leaders can use to make informed, people-focused decisions. For survey data, analysis, and expert insights, download the full report here: About MNP LLPNational in scope and local in focus, MNP is one of Canada's leading professional services firms — proudly serving individuals, businesses, and organizations since 1958. Through the development of strong relationships, we provide client-focused accounting, consulting, tax, and digital services. Our clients benefit from personalized strategies with a local perspective to fuel success wherever business takes them. For more information, visit SOURCE MNP View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
New York Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
The race for European football – and the benefit of not being involved
Heading into the final weekend of Premier League fixtures, Nottingham Forest's clash with Chelsea at the City Ground is undoubtedly the game with the most at stake. Four teams are separated by just a single point in the race for Champions League qualification. Newcastle (fourth), Chelsea (fifth), and Aston Villa (sixth) are all level on 66 points, with Forest on their tails in seventh on 65. Advertisement For Nuno Espirito Santo's side, however, nothing but a win will do — and even then, they'll need results elsewhere to fall in their favour. On the latest episode of The Totally Football Show, James Richardson was joined by Benji Lanyado, Duncan Alexander, and Charlie Eccleshare to discuss Forest's chances of securing a top-five spot, and why they shouldn't be disappointed even if they miss out — considering they will still have European football next season. A partial transcript has been edited for clarity and length. The full episode is available on The Totally Football Show feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. James: Let's start with Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. As you know, a Chelsea win will secure them a top-five finish and Champions League football. Forest, by contrast, need to win the game but also hope that Aston Villa drop points at Old Trafford, or Newcastle drop points against Everton. Benji, which team is not going to get what they need out of those three fixtures? Benji: Heartbreakingly, I think it's going to be Nottingham Forest. I'm saying this maybe as an emotional hedge against what I want to happen, but I can just see Chelsea and Man City squeezing their way through and pushing out the fun teams. I think that there is so much emotion that's been building up to that game at the weekend for Forest, and I just worry for them because of that. A bit like how with Athletic Club against United in the Europa League semi-finals, there was so much riding on it that they bottled it because of the pressure. I think that could happen to Forest as well. James: Are Forest going to get their win, Duncan? Duncan: I'm going to say yes, even though it's been a strange few weeks for them. Obviously, there was the horrific injury to Taiwo Awoniyi, and their form has dropped off a bit as well. But looking at this as a one-off game against a Chelsea team that isn't flawless, and with atmosphere from the crowd at the City Ground, I think they can do it. Whether they get the required results elsewhere, however, I'm not as convinced. Because I think Newcastle will beat Everton, and despite Villa's notoriously bad record at Old Trafford, surely if they're ever going to end it, this weekend is the time. But it's going to be very exciting, and we could see a few changes to the league table as the goals go in. Advertisement I must say I also don't think Forest should be too disappointed if they don't make it into the top five, because they're still going to have European football, and it's still been a great season for them. We've spoken about Spurs not being necessarily ready for the Champions League, I don't think Forest's squad is ready either. We saw even a squad as good as Villa's this season drop off because they were competing in the Champions League. So the Europa League or Conference League for Forest would be a nice and gentle easing into continental football. So whatever happens — and I'm sure this will happen — their fans should probably just celebrate an incredible season with European football. Let's not forget Forest were the team that finished 17th last year, so it just shows that you can go from 17th back to near the top, so well done to them. Charlie: It will be interesting next season with so many teams in Europe, because I think a lot of these teams are going to really struggle. We spoke about it a couple of weeks ago in relation to Newcastle last season. When they were trying to juggle the Champions League and Premier League, they couldn't do it and they had an injury crisis. Then this season, they haven't had any European football whatsoever, and they've been really good again. So there are going to be a lot of teams, like Newcastle, like Forest as you mentioned Duncan, and even Crystal Palace, who are going to be navigating this completely new world. We've even seen the best teams both in the Premier League and in other leagues also struggling to do that juggling act with these extra games. So we could see one or two of the teams not in Europe next season actually feel a benefit. You can listen to full episodes of The Totally Football Show for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. (Top Photo:)
New York Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Is Crystal Palace the perfect environment for Eberechi Eze to thrive?
Crystal Palace head into Saturday's FA Cup final full of confidence after their 2-0 win over Tottenham last weekend — a result that not only secured a league double over Spurs for the first time, but also saw them match their highest ever Premier League points total of 49. Eberechi Eze was the star of the show as his brace sealed the points for Palace, who will be counting on a similar display from their talisman on Saturday if they're to lift the FA Cup for the first time in their history. Advertisement On the latest episode of The Totally Football Show, James Richardson was joined by Jay Harris and Adrian Clarke to discuss Eze's impressive performance and whether the 26-year-old should be looking to move on this summer. A partial transcript has been edited for clarity and length. The full episode is available on The Totally Football Show feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. James: Eberechi Eze was impressive again with the brace that sealed the win wasn't he? Jay: Chess Master Eberechi Eze… James: Chess Master yeah, that's a great story isn't it? Jay: It's a very cool story. James: There's a wonderful piece on The Athletic which people can read that will tell you all about this. It's a lovely piece too because it's such an unusual story. Eze entered a celebrity online chess competition and apparently had to battle through a few qualifying rounds to reach the final 20-player round, which he won. He also won £15,000… Jay: Not that he needs it… James: You're right. Not that he needs it but he did win the competition which is impressive. Also in the piece it's revealed that he only started learning from Jean-Philippe Mateta, meaning it couldn't have even been long ago that he started learning. Jay: Exactly. I do need to give Eze some praise as well. I've said to friends for a long time that he's one of the footballers I enjoy watching the most. The way he glides across the pitch is beautiful, it's so graceful and he's great to watch. For his second goal in particular, he picked up the ball in the middle of the pitch, played a beautiful pass out to Ismaila Sarr, sprinted into the box and was there when Sarr's shot was blocked by Djed Spence. He finished it with such confidence and he was in the right place — he's just such a clever and intelligent footballer. I feel like sometimes his momentum seems to be disrupted by the odd injury here and there, but when he's in full flow he's amazing to watch. Advertisement Inevitably people will talk about whether he should move in the summer and join a 'bigger club'. But firstly, he has got a great opportunity to win silverware with Crystal Palace on Saturday. And you do wonder with players like Eze if they're just better suited to being the heartbeat of a 'smaller side,' rather than going to a bigger team and maybe having less of an influence. He flourishes because the system is built in a way that suits his strengths. So I just wonder whether he would lose some of his individuality if he moved to a different team, because Jack Grealish is the prime case study for this. Adrian: Oliver Glasner's style of play really suits him. They've got that box in midfield with those progressive midfielders who play early passes into the No. 10s where Eze is. But I think it will be now or never for Eze to get a move, won't it? He's getting to that age where if he did want to move on now would probably be the time because his value might start to depreciate. Jay: He's 27 in June, so actually maybe even next year he could get a move. Adrian: Right, and I really think he could play and thrive in the Champions League. We talked earlier about Trent Alexander-Arnold earlier and how you only have one career. I think Eze's talent — like Michael Olise, his old mate who was equally good at Palace — belongs in the Champions League. Olise's been smashing it up in the Champions League, and I think Eze deserves to play at that level, too. So it's going to be fascinating to see where he does land. James: If he goes to Spurs or Man United, he could be playing in the Champions League next season… Adrian: Stranger things have happened… Jay: His contract runs out in 2027 as well, and the two-year point is always the one where players normally decide whether they're going to stay and sign a new deal or whether they're going to leave, so time will tell. You can listen to full episodes of The Totally Football Show for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. (Top Photo: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
NHS rolls out revolutionary five-minute 'super-jab' to treat 15 cancer types
The groundbreaking jab could save patients around a year's worth of treatment time A groundbreaking five-minute "super-jab" is poised to benefit thousands of cancer patients in England, with the potential to "transform lives". The NHS is the first European health service to offer this innovative injection, which could save patients around a year's worth of treatment time. As reported by the jab is an injectable form of the immunotherapy medication, nivolumab, allowing patients to receive their fortnightly or monthly treatment in just five minutes, compared to up to an hour via an IV drip. This injection can be used to treat 15 different types of cancer, including skin, bladder, and oesophagus cancers, with an estimated 1,200 patients in England per month expected to benefit from it. Following approval from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on April 30, the NHS reported that patients in clinical trials were "highly satisfied" with the under-the-skin injection. Many preferred it over the IV form of the drug, which takes between 30 to 60 minutes every two weeks or four weeks, depending on the type of cancer. Approximately two in five patients currently receiving IV nivolumab, a commonly used cancer treatment, are expected to be eligible for the new jab. NHS cancer services are gearing up to offer the new treatment to patients starting next month. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, highlighted the significance of this advancement. He said: "Immunotherapy has already been a huge step forward for many NHS patients with cancer, and being able to offer it as an injection in minutes means we can make the process far more convenient. "This treatment is used for 15 different types of the disease, so it will free up thousands of valuable clinicians' time every year, allowing teams to treat even more patients and helping hospital capacity. And this is just the latest development in the NHS's ongoing commitment to provide patients with the latest cancer therapies and treatment options that truly transform lives". The time savings anticipated from the introduction of this injectable therapy are substantial - an estimated 1,000 hours per month, which translates to over one full year annually. James Richardson, NHS England's national specialty adviser for cancer drugs, said: "I am delighted that NHS patients across England will soon be able to benefit from this quicker-to-administer, effective treatment, that can be used to treat a range of cancer types, including skin cancer and solid tumours originating in the kidneys. "This is a significant advancement in cancer treatment, with the potential to improve the lives of thousands of patients each month". The treatment will not impose any additional costs on the NHS due to an agreement with pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers Squibb. Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, added: "Britain is a hotbed of innovation, masterminding the newest tech and medical inventions to help people navigating illness. A new jab that fastens up cancer treatment is a prime example of this, so it's fantastic to see cancer patients in England will be among the first in Europe to benefit."
