Latest news with #OAC
Cision Canada
4 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
ECO Canada Launches Ocean Alliance Canada: The Canadian Voice for a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy
CALGARY, AB, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - ECO Canada is proud to announce the official launch of Ocean Alliance Canada (OAC), a new initiative that brings together partners from coast to coast to strengthen the foundations of Canada's sustainable blue economy. As ocean sustainability, climate resiliency and innovation shape the future of our blue economy, Ocean Alliance Canada brings partners together to advance workforce development, support Indigenous Leadership, and foster cross-sector policy alignment. Led by ECO Canada as Chair and Secretariat, the Alliance brings together a wide range of organizations- from Indigenous leaders and coastal communities to educators, NGOs, industry, and government partners- all committed to building a more inclusive, connected, and future-ready ocean sector. "We often hear that the future of Canada's blue economy depends on innovation," says Kevin Nilsen, President & CEO of ECO Canada. "But innovation needs a foundation, like strong people systems, strategic partnerships, and policy coordination. That's where Ocean Alliance Canada steps in." Building the Foundations of a Thriving Blue Economy Rather than duplicating existing efforts, Ocean Alliance Canada focuses on connecting them. Its mission is to convene national partners, share knowledge, and align strategies to meet pressing labor market needs, bridge policy and practice gaps, and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, including Indigenous and emerging leaders. Key Focus Areas Include: Workforce Development & Labor Mobility: Advancing national credentialing, career pathways, and skills recognition. Indigenous Engagement & Leadership: Supporting Indigenous-led priorities and knowledge in ocean governance. Ocean Sustainability & Policy Alignment: Aligning efforts across sectors and levels of government with global goals. Global Competitiveness: Strengthening Canada's position through inclusive innovation and investment readiness. Join the Alliance – Shape the Future of our Oceans OAC membership is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including: Academic institutions and training providers NGOs and environmental organizations Indigenous-led ocean organizations and individuals Industry experts, consultants, and emerging professionals Organizational Members receive governance voting rights, strategic visibility, access to working groups, and early invitations to funding and innovation opportunities. Individual Members can access professional development tools, mentorship, forums, and exclusive networking opportunities to grow their careers and contribute meaningfully to the sector. The Benefits of Joining Ocean Alliance Canada Collaborate with national leaders in the ocean and marine sectors Participate in working groups and national consultations Amplify your voice in shaping policy and regulatory direction Receive recognition as a champion of Canada's blue economy To learn more or to become a member of Ocean Alliance Canada, visit our website: Participate in person in the wave of change at the Ocean Alliance Canada Conference & Consortium on September 3-4, 2025, in Halifax, NS. Discover how innovation, inclusion, and collaboration are shaping the future of Canada's blue economy. Whether you're a policymaker, entrepreneur, academic, or student, this two-day event brings together ocean leaders from across the country (and beyond) to tackle our biggest marine challenges and unlock sustainable growth. Dive into hands-on workshops on AI for ocean businesses, inclusion in the marine workforce, and bold conversations on international collaboration, Indigenous leadership, and women in ocean leadership. Don't miss your chance to network, learn, and lead in Canada's ocean future. Join the conversation, Spark Solutions & Shape the Blue Economy. To register for this unique conference, please visit our page here: About ECO Canada ECO Canada is the steward of the Canadian environmental workforce. From training and certification to labour market research and program development, ECO Canada works to ensure that Canada's environmental sector is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future, including those of our oceans. SOURCE Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada)
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ECO Canada Launches Ocean Alliance Canada: The Canadian Voice for a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy
CALGARY, AB, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - ECO Canada is proud to announce the official launch of Ocean Alliance Canada (OAC), a new initiative that brings together partners from coast to coast to strengthen the foundations of Canada's sustainable blue economy. As ocean sustainability, climate resiliency and innovation shape the future of our blue economy, Ocean Alliance Canada brings partners together to advance workforce development, support Indigenous Leadership, and foster cross-sector policy alignment. Led by ECO Canada as Chair and Secretariat, the Alliance brings together a wide range of organizations- from Indigenous leaders and coastal communities to educators, NGOs, industry, and government partners- all committed to building a more inclusive, connected, and future-ready ocean sector. "We often hear that the future of Canada's blue economy depends on innovation," says Kevin Nilsen, President & CEO of ECO Canada. "But innovation needs a foundation, like strong people systems, strategic partnerships, and policy coordination. That's where Ocean Alliance Canada steps in." Building the Foundations of a Thriving Blue Economy Rather than duplicating existing efforts, Ocean Alliance Canada focuses on connecting them. Its mission is to convene national partners, share knowledge, and align strategies to meet pressing labor market needs, bridge policy and practice gaps, and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, including Indigenous and emerging leaders. Key Focus Areas Include: Workforce Development & Labor Mobility: Advancing national credentialing, career pathways, and skills recognition. Indigenous Engagement & Leadership: Supporting Indigenous-led priorities and knowledge in ocean governance. Ocean Sustainability & Policy Alignment: Aligning efforts across sectors and levels of government with global goals. Global Competitiveness: Strengthening Canada's position through inclusive innovation and investment readiness. Join the Alliance – Shape the Future of our Oceans OAC membership is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including: Academic institutions and training providers NGOs and environmental organizations Indigenous-led ocean organizations and individuals Industry experts, consultants, and emerging professionals Organizational Members receive governance voting rights, strategic visibility, access to working groups, and early invitations to funding and innovation opportunities. Individual Members can access professional development tools, mentorship, forums, and exclusive networking opportunities to grow their careers and contribute meaningfully to the sector. The Benefits of Joining Ocean Alliance Canada Collaborate with national leaders in the ocean and marine sectors Participate in working groups and national consultations Amplify your voice in shaping policy and regulatory direction Receive recognition as a champion of Canada's blue economy To learn more or to become a member of Ocean Alliance Canada, visit our website: Participate in person in the wave of change at the Ocean Alliance Canada Conference & Consortium on September 3-4, 2025, in Halifax, NS. Discover how innovation, inclusion, and collaboration are shaping the future of Canada's blue economy. Whether you're a policymaker, entrepreneur, academic, or student, this two-day event brings together ocean leaders from across the country (and beyond) to tackle our biggest marine challenges and unlock sustainable growth. Dive into hands-on workshops on AI for ocean businesses, inclusion in the marine workforce, and bold conversations on international collaboration, Indigenous leadership, and women in ocean leadership. Don't miss your chance to network, learn, and lead in Canada's ocean future. Join the conversation, Spark Solutions & Shape the Blue Economy. To register for this unique conference, please visit our page here: About ECO CanadaECO Canada is the steward of the Canadian environmental workforce. From training and certification to labour market research and program development, ECO Canada works to ensure that Canada's environmental sector is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future, including those of our oceans. SOURCE Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada) View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk's SpaceX could make Jeff Bezos' $28 million space hotel vacation a reality
Elon Musk's SpaceX could make Jeff Bezos' $28 million space hotel vacation a reality For centuries, humanity has pursued the unknown—crossing oceans, climbing the highest peaks, and breaking the sound barrier to explore the skies. Today, that pioneering spirit is once again propelling society toward new horizons: outer space. What was once the exclusive domain of national space agencies and a select group of trained astronauts is now evolving into an industry led by private enterprise. Fueled by immense technological advancements and billionaire-driven innovation, space is no longer a final frontier—it is becoming a destination. With efforts to make commercial space travel as routine as international flights, a bold new concept is emerging: luxury hotels in orbit. Among these, Voyager Station stands out as the world's first planned space hotel , set to welcome guests as early as 2027. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the $28 million space hotel that could redefine travel Voyager Station is a pioneering project being developed by Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC), a private aerospace startup headquartered in Sacramento, California. The station is envisioned as a rotating space structure capable of accommodating 280 guests and 112 crew members at once. This revolutionary facility aims to deliver all the comfort and extravagance expected of a premium resort—restaurants, bars, a cinema, a fitness center, and even a concert venue—only this time, in low Earth orbit. OAC's ambition is not just limited to comfort; it extends to redefining the experience of space living. Their primary goal is to make long-duration stays in space feasible for tourists, researchers, and commercial operators by introducing artificial gravity, a major breakthrough in space habitation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Incrível: novo alarme com câmera custa quase nada (consulte o preço) Verisure Undo Design and technology: Artificial gravity and rotational innovation The most unique feature of Voyager Station is its rotating wheel-shaped design. This concept, dating back to the early 20th century and later refined by Wernher von Braun, uses centrifugal force to generate artificial gravity. OAC plans to create gravity levels comparable to the Moon (1/6th of Earth's gravity) initially, with the flexibility to increase to Mars-like gravity or even full Earth gravity, depending on guest adaptability. Guests will first arrive at a central zero-gravity docking hub before traveling to the rotating outer modules using specialized elevator systems. These modules—24 in total—will comprise 125,000 square feet of usable space. Apart from hotel suites, they will include luxury villas, retail stores, research laboratories, and even entertainment venues. The company is also constructing two ground-based prototype modules, the Gravity Ring and Pioneer Station, to test the feasibility of artificial gravity environments before full-scale orbital deployment. Elon Musk might help you book a ride to the $28 million space hotel Transporting guests to Voyager Station will be one of the major logistical challenges. Currently, space travel for civilians is expensive. For instance, a seat on a Blue Origin suborbital flight alongside Jeff Bezos in 2021 was auctioned for $28 million. However, the cost of space travel is expected to decrease as reusable launch systems become more efficient and widespread. Launch providers like SpaceX are developing powerful and cost-effective vehicles such as the Starship and Super Heavy booster, which could be instrumental in making commercial space travel more accessible. While SpaceX is not officially partnered with OAC for this project, the company acknowledged Voyager Station's ambitious goal with curiosity and even expressed interest on social media in offering transportation services once the station is operational. OAC aims to make space tourism a luxury choice, not a price barrier Despite the high initial costs, OAC maintains that the long-term viability of Voyager Station hinges on mass adoption and scalable transport. The company's leadership, including Chief Operating Officer Tim Alatorre, remains optimistic. Alatorre stated in an interview with The New York Times that the goal is to make space tourism a 'matter of preference, not affordability.' In line with this goal, the station's commercial infrastructure will include luxury residences, industrial space, and research labs, catering to more than just tourists. This mixed-use approach is expected to provide multiple revenue streams—tourism, commercial leasing, and scientific experimentation. Timelines and current progress Voyager Station is currently scheduled for launch and operation by 2027, pending successful construction and orbital testing of essential technologies. OAC has already begun foundational work on components such as: Structural engineering of rotating modules Artificial gravity simulation Docking and elevator systems If timelines are met, OAC's next steps will include orbital assembly, followed by partial module testing in space, and then full-scale operation. Challenges and unknowns While Voyager Station holds incredible promise, several challenges remain: High development and operational costs Safety protocols in microgravity and artificial gravity environments Regulatory approvals and space traffic management Psychological and physiological impacts of long-term space stays Furthermore, securing consistent launch access from providers like SpaceX or other aerospace players remains critical for the station's supply chain and guest turnover. The future of space tourism Voyager Station represents a larger trend in the commercialization of space. Alongside ventures like Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceX, Orbital Assembly's hotel concept signifies a shift from government-dominated space exploration to privately-funded space living. With increasing public interest and investment, the idea of vacationing in space, once considered science fiction, is inching closer to reality. Beyond tourism, such projects also lay the groundwork for interplanetary colonization and long-term space research. Also read | Airtel recharge plans | Jio recharge plans | BSNL recharge plans
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Time of India
A resort in space coming in 2027 with restaurants, gym, and even villas! Here's all about Voyager Station
Space travel, once the domain of elite astronauts and government agencies, is rapidly opening up to private enterprises—and even luxury tourism thanks to billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson . Their ventures have helped pave the way for a future where space travel might one day be as routine as international air travel. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan India considers closing airspace to Pakistani carriers amid rising tensions Cold Start: India's answer to Pakistan's nuclear threats Now, a new milestone in this journey is approaching with the world's first space hotel , the Voyager Station . What is Voyager Station? Voyager Station is a luxury orbital resort designed as a massive rotating wheel, capable of hosting 280 guests and 112 crew members. The space hotel, envisioned by Sacramento-based Orbital Assembly Corporation (which is now known as Above Space), is slated for launch in 2027. The futuristic facility will feature a wide range of amenities, including: Restaurants and bars A cinema and concert venue A gym and recreation space Residential-style villas and commercial areas In total, the station will span 125,000 square feet, divided among 24 modules that will include luxury accommodations, retail spaces, and even areas for industrial use. Live Events Gravity in Space? Yes, Really. One of Voyager Station's most groundbreaking features is its ability to simulate gravity using centrifugal force. Its rotating design, inspired by German rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, will initially generate gravity equivalent to that of the Moon—about one-sixth of Earth's. Future versions may offer Martian or even near-Earth gravity levels. OAC boasts, 'We provide gravity,' on its website. Chief Operating Officer Tim Alatorre noted that the artificial gravity will allow guests to experience space in comfort—while still enjoying weightless fun like slam dunks and lifting heavy objects effortlessly. How Will It Work? Guests will first arrive at a central zero-gravity hub before taking elevators out to the rotating outer modules where gravity is simulated. This setup balances the thrill of microgravity with the functionality of gravity-assisted living spaces. The Cost of Space Luxury Current space tourism is still costly—one early civilian paid $28 million to join Jeff Bezos on a Blue Origin flight. However, Alatorre told The New York Times, 'We want it to be a question of preference, not of money.' With launch systems like SpaceX's Starship and Super Heavy in development, transportation costs are expected to decrease significantly, potentially making space stays more accessible. While SpaceX is not currently involved in the Voyager Station project, they commented on Instagram: "Maybe @SpaceX can offer a two-way ticket by the time it's finished? We're curious to see if this plan becomes reality." Next Steps: Testing the Concept To ensure feasibility, OAC is currently working on smaller prototypes such as the Gravity Ring and Pioneer Stations, designed to test the key technologies and design concepts. Alatorre remains confident: 'There's nothing technologically standing in our way. It's just a question of time and money—and we can overcome those.' As plans for Voyager Station move forward, it could redefine the future of vacations—offering a once-unimaginable getaway: a luxury stay in Earth's orbit.
ABC News
28-04-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Why the New York Stock Exchange cheers when a child is dropped off at daycare in Sydney or Melbourne
When a parent drops their child at their local Only About Children (OAC) childcare centre in Sydney or Melbourne, they probably don't know the revenue will be cheered on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). That's because OAC's 80 childcare centres were sold by a private equity company to a US multinational called Bright Horizons for $450 million in 2022. Lowly-paid childcare workers and parents struggling with the cost of living may have been left cold by the following year's annual report from Bright Horizons to the NYSE. "Tuition revenue increased by $199.9 million, or 17 per cent, when compared to the prior year, on a 15 per cent increase in enrolment and revenue contributions from OAC of $71.5 million," shareholders were told. Photo shows Colouring pencils in a plastic container. Here is some practical advice to help you feel confident in your childcare provider — and what to do if something does not seem right. It's emblematic of the "corporatisation" of childcare in Australia. And experts say it's putting kids at risk. "Private equity, pension funds and publicly listed businesses all have investors expecting a return — and this is what creates significant risks for the quality of care," said Macquarie University Professor Gabrielle Meagher, who studies privatisation of social services. " These businesses are motivated to come into the childcare sector by the opportunity that a highly-subsidised, high-demand service offers. " Government subsidies, increased women's workforce participation and a push to promote the benefits of early education have fuelled enormous growth with almost 15,000 centres operating today. Australia's top 10 for-profit childcare providers and their ownership G8 Education – ASX listed Affinity – private equity owned Guardian – private equity owned Busy Bees – owned by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Nido Early School – ASX listed Only About Children – wholly owned subsidiary of NYSE-listed Bright Horizons Green Leaves – private equity owned Edge Early Learning – private equity owned Montessori Academy – majority owned by founders Charles and Colette Assaf Sparrow Early Learning – majority owned by Fullshare, listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange (Source: Professor Gabrielle Meagher Macquarie University) "Children are missing out on high-quality education and care experiences that could set them up for life," Professor Meagher said. "In some cases children are exposed to unsafe environments and poor treatment." The honey pot attracting investors is huge. Subsidies to the industry from Australian taxpayers are on track to cost the budget $15 billion a year by 2026-2027. Macquarie University Professor Gabrielle Meagher studies privatisation of social services. ( Supplied ) Seventy per cent of the centre-based recipients are run by private operators and a recent Four Corners investigation revealed serious failings endangering kids at some centres. It also revealed sloppy regulation with 10 per cent of all centres — covering an estimated 47,000 kids in privately-owned centres — not meeting national quality standards. Many parents are choosing for-profit centres, including OAC, so clearly these operators are keeping parents happy. But that business model is allowing unscrupulous providers to "put profit before our children" in some cases, said Maddy Butler from Parenthood, an independent group that advocates for parents. "In the worst instances this leaves children vulnerable to mistreatment and educators underpaid, working in poor conditions," she said. These views are backed up by a number of expert reviews that revealed better conditions at not-for-profits and government-run services. Photo shows A young mother sitting on a couch with a smiling toddler lying across her lap With research showing educational disadvantage can begin as young as two if children cannot access child care, experts are demanding more action from the major parties. "Forty-three per cent of government-managed services and 37 per cent of not-for-profit, community-managed services are exceeding the National Quality Standard, as opposed to only 12 per cent of for-profit services," Ms Butler said. "For-profit providers also tend to charge higher fees." The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found not-for-profits spent more on staff, had higher retention levels and more full-time rather than casual workers. Bright Horizon's filing to the NYSE gives an insight into its approach to resourcing its centres. "We seek to cluster centres in geographic areas to enhance operating efficiencies and to create a leading market presence," the annual filing said. Among other things, that kind of clustering has led to In a perfect world a profit motive might drive higher quality, as services sought to compete for more enrolments by lifting quality — meeting the needs of children and shareholders alike. However, OAC's website lists just 10 of its 80 centres as exceeding the national quality standards despite being located in some of the most expensive suburbs for childcare. ABC News also recently revealed serious incidents at a number of OAC facilities including inappropriate contact when a child was kissed on the lips and others were disciplined with excessive force. An educator at another centre was sentenced to two years in prison for touching a young boy on the groin and bottom. Do those shocking incidents and the comments to the NYSE suggest the profits of US shareholders are being put above the needs of Australian children? OAC did not respond to a request for comment. But it's far from alone in juggling profit and care, and others that aren't publicly traded can operate with even less public scrutiny. That has left some experts calling for a reconsideration of the model of funding for profit operators. Photo shows A child playing with magnetic plastic shapes on a surface. The child's face can't be seen. With centres reassessed on average every four years, and some gaming the system, parents cannot be sure their child's centre meets the standards or that staff are properly trained or qualified. "We don't know enough about what goes on inside these companies — how they use public funds and how they organise their staff and operations — especially when it comes to private equity companies who do not have the same reporting obligations as listed companies," Professor Meagher said. During the ABC election debate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he hoped childcare would be his legacy. "We want the universal provision of affordable childcare so that it is as natural to have your child have access to childcare as it is to have access to public education," Mr Albanese said. Read more: But there's a crucial difference between the operators of schools and the operators of childcare centres. Unlike childcare centres, private schools are not allowed to operate as for-profit enterprises. However, Mr Albanese's plan to grow the childcare industry is relying on for-profit operators, capable of building centres quickly and at scale, to deliver his ambition. That's left some experts sceptical. "The government's universal childcare policy is an important step forward for children and families but if the quality of early learning centres does not improve, it will not achieve its aims," Professor Meagher said. Photo shows Children play with toys at a preschool Some of the country's largest childcare operators are named in a damning cache of regulatory documents the NSW government and regulator tried to keep hidden from the public. "Currently the system is going in the wrong direction, given what we know about quality and costs." Following the 4 Corners investigation the government announced it would target operators that put "profit over quality" in a new enforcement scheme co-designed with industry. The government said there was only a "small number" of operators doing the wrong thing. The Australian Childcare Alliance, a lobby group that advocates for many for-profit providers did not respond to a request for comment. It has previously welcomed the government's new scheme and noted the government's comments about problems being confined to a small group of operators. If the government is re-elected and the expansion of childcare continues, then likely so too will the conflict between the operator's responsibilities to shareholders and the nation's most vulnerable.
