Latest news with #OCT
Edmonton Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
'No more TikTok teaching': Jewish advocacy group calls for Ontario classrooms to be free of identity politics
Article content As a solution, the report says there should be a requirement of governance qualifications for school board leadership. Article content Similarly, Gottlieb said that teachers 'can't actually speak up publicly when they have concerns…but at the same time, they have absolute professional discretion in their classes to use whatever resources they want.' Article content One example given by Gottlieb included a Grade 6 teacher who was part of the TDSB — the largest school board in Canada and one of 72 in Ontario — wearing a keffiyeh to class right after October 7, when Hamas terrorists murdered 1,200 Israelis, sparking an ongoing war in the Middle East. Article content The teacher showed students videos from Al Jazeera — a publication that has a 'close connection' with Hamas, a Tel Aviv District Court found last year — about the Nakba as content for mandatory Holocaust education and had a Free Palestine poster with a QR code to donate funds to an 'ambiguous charity.' (The Nakba refers to the displacement of Arab Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, per the Times of Israel.) Article content Article content That teacher faced no consequences. Article content The province should step in to enforce rules that affect thousands of students, said Gottlieb, like clarifying the ambiguity surrounding what constitutes a religious or political garment. Teachers donning keffiyehs at school has become a point of contention among anti-Israel groups and the Jewish community in Canada. Article content Keffiyehs are now considered by many a symbol 'associated with the annihilation of a people,' said Gottlieb, adding that they have been 'codified' as cultural attire 'with zero historical basis.' Article content 'The minister has to step in and unify these policies,' she said, 'so that your kid has the same rights in one board than they will in another board.' Article content Gottlieb also pushed for centralized resources for teachers and called for an end to 'TikTok teaching.' Article content 'Yes, the Ontario government has the Trillium List of approved textbooks, but it's 2025. When's the last time any of your kids came home with a textbook? They don't. Textbooks aren't being used, so having an approved list of textbooks is moot,' said Gottlieb. 'What we need are all teaching or learning resources in the classroom to be centrally made by the ministry, to be approved, for teachers to be trained on how to use those materials, and then for them to exclusively use those materials.' Article content Article content The JEFA report recommends that teachers be licensed directly by the ministry of education, rather than the current model, where teachers are licensed by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). It also includes recommendations for the entire education system, from the ministry of education to the school boards, the OCT, faculties of education (responsible for training future teachers) and the teachers' union. Article content 'JEFA's message is simple. Let schools be schools. Let's teach the basics,' she said. Article content The group has written to Ontario's Minister of Education Paul Calandra, urging him to read the report and make changes. Article content In an emailed statement to National Post on Monday, the minister's spokesperson Justine Teplycky said: 'Discrimination and racism in all its forms have no place in our classrooms. Parents expect schools to keep divisive politics out of the classroom and instead focus on what matters most: teaching students reading, writing, and math skills to prepare them for good-paying jobs and lifelong success.'
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Significant boost given to community groups in grants
Two Central Otago community groups received significant grants in the latest round of Otago Community Trust (OCT) grants. The Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust (Puna Rangatahi) was awarded $30,000 to fund a range of youth programmes. Puna Rangatahi is a not-for-profit organisation, founded in 2011, to support young people between 10-24-years-old in the Vincent Ward, Teviot Valley, and Māniatoto Valley. Young people and their whānau are assisted with accessing resources and information, opportunities and guidance. A spokesperson said the OCT funding would enable the trust to maintain its comprehensive youth services, including drop-in sessions, mentoring programmes and community events. The grant also supported vital outreach initiatives that extended from Millers Flat to Maniototo, ensuring young people in those rural areas had direct access to essential support services. Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group was granted $25,000 to support community events including Light Up Winter and the Cromwell Street Party and Fireworks events. Light Up Winter attracted nearly 6000 people last weekend to Anderson Park, in Cromwell, for an evening of entertainment, food and socialising before the annual lantern lighting. OCT was formed by statute in 1988, to hold and manage the shares of Trust Bank Otago. In 1996, the shares were sold. That sale gave the trust its founding capital of $131million to invest. The trust uses a portion ofthe profits each year to supportcommunity groups and projects throughout Otago. It receives no income from other funders or gaming machines. — Allied Media Otago Community Trust Central Otago grants Alexandra Central Otago Whitewater Inc $3000 Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust $2972 Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust $30,000 Omakau Bowling Club $10,500 Alexandra Toy Library $1500 Cromwell Cromwell Scout Group $10,000 Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group Inc $25,000 Chamber Music at the World's Edge Foundation $5000 Ranfurly Radio Charity $3500 Roxburgh Roxburgh Area School $10,000
Hamilton Spectator
30-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Specsavers set to open in Loblaw stores across Canada
Loblaw Companies Ltd. has got its eyes on a special new partnership with S pecsavers Canada . The companies announced a collaboration, which will see 111 new Specsavers optical locations move into Loblaws-branded stores across Canada. 'The new Specsavers locations will replace the Theodore & Pringle brand, in select Loblaw-owned stores including Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and Zehrs,' the companies noted in a press release . 'They will offer comprehensive eye care services featuring advanced technology like optical coherence tomography (OCT).' The expansion means there will be more than 260 Specsavers locations across Canada. 'This expansion represents a pivotal moment for eye care accessibility in Canada,' Bill Moir, Specsavers Canada managing director, said. 'By opening 111 new locations within trusted Loblaw locations, we're fundamentally improving how Canadians access the eye care they deserve. Our mission has always been to change lives through better sight; we believe expert eye care and quality eyewear should be affordable for all.' 'Specsavers' reputation for accessible eye care aligns perfectly with our purpose — to help Canadians live life well,' Irene Doody, Loblaw Companies head of optical, said in the press release. 'Specsavers will provide a seamless transition for our optical customers while introducing them to a trusted global leader in eye care.' The first set of Specsavers stores within Loblaws locations is expected to open in some spots by September. Specsavers entered the Canadian market in late 2021, the company added, but it was created in the U.K. more than 40 years ago. There are more than 2,700 locations globally. For more details, visit .
Hamilton Spectator
30-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Novasight™ Hybrid Imaging System Featured in Published JSCAI Case Report Demonstrating Superior Diagnosis and Precision-Guided Therapy in Complex Coronary Case
TORONTO, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Conavi Medical Inc. (TSXV: CNVI) (OTCQB: CNVIF), a leader in hybrid intravascular imaging, is pleased to announce the publication of a compelling case report in the Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (JSCAI) highlighting the clinical impact of the Company's Novasight™ Hybrid IVUS-OCT System in guiding accurate diagnosis and optimal stent placement in a complex coronary artery case. The case was performed, and the images were collected using the first-generation Novasight Hybrid IVUS-OCT system. 'This publication validates our belief that hybrid imaging is the future of precision-guided interventional cardiology,' said Thomas Looby, CEO of Conavi Medical. 'Our goal is to help physicians make faster, more accurate decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Also, this article is based on the first-generation system. We are especially excited about our next-generation Novasight™ Hybrid System, which is designed to deliver enhanced image quality and functionality for even greater physician and patient benefit, and the U.S. FDA 510(k) submission is on track for Q3 2025.' The report, titled 'The Role of Comprehensive Hybrid Imaging in Identification of Plaque Rupture and Ostial Stent Placement: Case Report' (DOI: 10.1016/ details the treatment of a 52-year-old male patient with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and end-stage renal disease. Initial angiography suggested a calcified lesion at the ostium of the right coronary artery (RCA). However, hybrid imaging using the Novasight™ System, integrating both intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), revealed the true culprit: a plaque rupture, not significant calcification. 'Hybrid imaging has the power to transform how we diagnose and treat complex coronary disease,' said Dr. Megha Prasad, co-author of the study and interventional cardiologist. 'In this patient, angiography alone could have potentially led us down the wrong path. The ability to combine the high-resolution structural detail of OCT with the anatomical reference points of IVUS in real time allowed us to correctly identify the plaque rupture and precisely treat the lesion, something neither modality could have done alone.' The case demonstrates how the simultaneous use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) via the Novasight Hybrid catheter enabled physicians to: The publication reinforces the Novasight™ System's role in aligning with new U.S. imaging Class 1A Guidelines for intracoronary imaging and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) that advocate for broader use of intracoronary imaging in PCI. Conavi's hybrid solution uniquely addresses long-standing barriers to adoption, including the need for separate imaging systems and interpretation challenges, particularly among less experienced operators. Figure 1: Before percutaneous coronary intervention (A) Angiogram of right coronary artery (RCA) lesion; intravenous ultrasound (top) and optical coherence tomography (bottom) visualizations of (B) ostial RCA, (C) conus branch, (D) intraplaque hemorrhage and wire artifact, (E) plaque rupture cavity and wire artifact, and (F) distal reference Figure 2: After percutaneous coronary intervention (A) Angiogram of right coronary artery (RCA) lesion; intravenous ultrasound (top) and optical coherence tomography (bottom) visualizations of (B) proximal edge of stent struts of ostial RCA (demonstrating no extension into the aorta), (C) minimal stent area of 9.40 mm 2 , (D) distal stent edge struts and wire artifact, and (E) the distal reference. About Conavi Medical Corp.: Conavi Medical is focused on designing, manufacturing, and marketing imaging technologies to guide common minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. Its patented Novasight Hybrid™ System is the first system to combine both intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to enable simultaneous and co-registered imaging of coronary arteries. The Novasight Hybrid System has 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and regulatory approval for clinical use from Health Canada, China's National Medical Products Administration, and Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. For more information, visit . Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws, which reflect the current expectations of management of Conavi's future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as 'may', 'would', 'could', 'will', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'plan', 'expect', 'intend', 'estimate', 'potential for' and similar expressions, although these words may not be present in all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements that appear in this release may include, without limitation, references to Conavi's plans for the commercialization of its Novasight Hybrid™ System. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs with respect to future events, and are based on information currently available to management that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date on which the statements are made, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies which could result in actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions and many factors could cause Conavi's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to, Conavi's ability to retain key personnel; its ability to execute on its business plans and strategies; and other factors listed in the 'Risk Factors' sections of the joint information circular of Conavi dated August 30, 2024 and in the final short form prospectus of Conavi dated April 15, 2025 (each of which may be viewed at ). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in the news release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions and Conavi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, conditions, results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, Conavi cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Conavi expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All the forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Contact Stefano Picone Chief Financial Officer (416) 483-0100 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Cision Canada
30-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Specsavers to Open 111 New Optical Locations in Loblaw Grocery Stores Across Canada Français
Specsavers locations will open in select Loblaw grocery stores across Canada – including in Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and Zehrs stores – while maintaining seamless continuity for customers and patients, and significantly expanding access to advanced eye care services including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology. The expansion also represents Specsavers' entry into five new provinces — New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan — and one new territory, Yukon, while strengthening its presence in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. "This expansion represents a pivotal moment for eye care accessibility in Canada," said Bill Moir, Managing Director of Specsavers Canada. "By opening 111 new locations within trusted Loblaw locations, we're fundamentally improving how Canadians access the eye care they deserve. Our mission has always been to change lives through better sight; we believe expert eye care and quality eyewear should be affordable for all. We are now able to expand that mission across the country, ensuring that more families can access comprehensive optical services in the communities where they already shop." New Specsavers locations will operate within existing Loblaws stores, providing customers and patients with convenient access to comprehensive eye examinations, prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and specialized eye care services. All locations will be staffed by qualified independent optometrists and opticians. "Theodore & Pringle was born from the belief that eye care should be convenient and affordable for everyone," said Irene Doody, Head of Optical, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Specsavers' reputation for accessible eye care aligns perfectly with our purpose - to help Canadians live life well. Specsavers will provide a seamless transition for our optical customers while introducing them to a trusted global leader in eye care." The first wave of new Specsavers locations within Loblaw stores is scheduled to open in September 2025, with additional locations following throughout the remainder of the year. About Specsavers Specsavers is an optometrist-owned business that entered the Canadian market in late 2021. Since then, over 150 locations have opened across the country, in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba. As part of Specsavers' commitment to accessible eyecare, Specsavers equips every location with optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, which helps optometrists to detect sight-threatening conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, in their earliest stages. Founded in the UK over 40 years ago by optometrist husband-and-wife team, Doug and Mary Perkins, there are now more than 2,700 Specsavers healthcare businesses globally, serving over 44 million patients and customers. Specsavers is driven by its purpose of "changing lives through better sight" and aims to transform the way Canadians experience eyecare by offering exceptional service, advanced clinical equipment and quality eyewear. For more information, please visit About Loblaw Companies Limited Loblaw is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, and the nation's largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, and healthcare services, other health and beauty products, apparel, general merchandise, financial services and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,800 locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ more than 220,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers. Loblaw's purpose – Live Life Well ® – puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the company's stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,100 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart ® and Pharmaprix ® locations and in close to 500 grocery stores; PC Financial ® services; Joe Fresh ® fashion and family apparel; and four of Canada's top-consumer brands in Life Brand ®, Farmer's Market™, no name ® and President's Choice ®. For more information, visit Loblaw's website at and Loblaw's issuer profile at
