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Montreal Gazette
a day ago
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Ferry fares in Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Atlantic Canada to be reduced as of Aug. 1
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that fares for interprovincial ferries and bridge tolls in eastern Quebec and Atlantic Canada will be cut by at least 50 per cent starting Aug. 1. Fulfilling a promise the Liberals made during the April election campaign, Carney said the ferry operating between Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Souris, P.E.I. will see fare cuts by half for passengers, vehicles and commercial traffic. Similar fare reductions will apply to all federally supported ferry services across Atlantic Canada. In addition, the federal government will reduce vehicle tolls on the Confederation Bridge — which links P.E.I. to New Brunswick — from more than $50 to $20. 'Canada's new government is on a mission to bring down costs and build one, strong Canadian economy,' the Prime Minister's Office said Monday in a press release. 'By cutting tolls on the Confederation Bridge and fares on ferries in Atlantic Canada, Canadians and businesses will save millions of dollars. That means more travel and trade between provinces, a stronger, more united economy, and more prosperity and opportunity for Canadians.' The ferry service between Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Souris is operated by the Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien (CTMA). During peak summer season, a one-way ticket currently costs $59.10 for an adult, plus $110.15 for a car. The federal government owns ferry vessels and terminals and leases them to ferry operators, according to the press statement. Annually, more than 531,000 passengers, 200,000 passenger vehicles and nearly 20,000 commercial vehicles use federally owned ferry services in Atlantic Canada. In addition to Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Souris, ferries provide service between Wood Islands in P.E.I., Saint John, N.B., and Caribou and Digby, N.S.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Microsoft CEO makes bold statement on company's future
In a candid memo released July 24, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella addressed what he called the issue "weighing heavily" on him: the company's ongoing layoffs. More than 15,000 Microsoft employees have been let go in 2025 alone, as part of what Nadella described as a necessary but painful restructuring in the age of AI. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The company also cut nearly 2,000 additional staff deemed "low performers" earlier this year. "I want to speak to what's been weighing heavily on me, and what I know many of you are thinking about: the recent job eliminations," he wrote. Related: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says that ChatGPT is not the way to superintelligence Recall Nadella wrote a similar note in 2023 - shortly after the company paused raises and announced its first significant layoffs of the post-pandemic era. He faced criticism at the time for placing too much focus on the company's outperformance without acknowledging those difficult moves. Despite the cuts, investors have rewarded Microsoft's leaner operating model. The company's stock closed above $500 for the first time on July 9, a symbolic milestone that arguably underscores Wall Street's growing faith in Microsoft's AI strategy. In his July memo, Nadella used stark language to describe the current environment, stating: "This is the enigma of success in an industry that has no franchise value." "Progress isn't linear," he added. "It's dynamic, sometimes dissonant, and always demanding. But it's also a new opportunity for us to shape, lead through, and have greater impact than ever before." For the past decade, Microsoft (MSFT) has operated under a unifying purpose: to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. But Nadella says that vision now needs to evolve. Related: Analysts unveil bold Amazon stock price target before earnings "We must reimagine our mission for a new era," he wrote. "What does empowerment look like in the era of AI? It's not just about building tools for specific roles or tasks. It's about building tools that empower everyone to create their own tools." This shift reflects the company's broader transformation from a software-centric business to what Nadella calls an "intelligence engine empowering every person and organization to build whatever they need to achieve." Microsoft's strategy hinges on positioning itself at the center of the AI value chain. Its Azure cloud platform is rapidly becoming the infrastructure of choice for AI workloads. OpenAI, as well as other major AI labs and enterprises, use Microsoft's GPU-centric cloud services to train and deploy large models. Copilot, Microsoft's generative AI assistant, has also been integrated into Office, GitHub, and enterprise software suites. More Tech Stocks: Amazon tries to make AI great again (or maybe for the first time)Veteran portfolio manager raises eyebrows with latest Meta Platforms moveGoogle plans major AI shift after Meta's surprising $14 billion move By reframing Microsoft as a platform that enables AI-native innovation, Nadella aims to extend the company's dominance beyond cloud and productivity into the AI-native economy. Nadella's statement marks a strategic realignment that mirrors an entire industry in transition. As Microsoft retools its mission, the world is watching to see if it can balance innovation, values, and leadership in one of the most disruptive technological shifts in history. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Roya News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Roya News
UK says ready to airdrop aid, evacuate injured children from Gaza
The United Kingdom announced Saturday its readiness to airdrop food aid into Gaza and evacuate children in urgent need of medical care, as part of growing international efforts to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. The announcement followed talks between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his French and German counterparts, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, respectively. During the call, the leaders discussed Britain's plans to expand humanitarian support to Gaza and help evacuate wounded and ill children. A statement from the UK Prime Minister's Office said Britain will cooperate with partners, including Jordan, to carry out the airdrops and evacuations. The joint statement described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "horrific" and emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive plans to transform any ceasefire into a lasting peace. The leaders also affirmed their commitment to working with regional and international actors to support a long-term resolution that enhances security in the region. The announcement comes one day after UN Secretary-General António Guterres sharply criticized the international community for failing to respond to the widespread famine in Gaza, calling it 'a moral outrage and a test of our collective conscience.'
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India, Maldives sign 8 key deals across finance, digital, fisheries sectors
India and the Maldives on Friday exchanged eight key agreements covering a wide range of sectors, including Line of Credit, debt repayment, fisheries, digital transformation, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. "Delighted to exchange eight Agreements related to Line of Credit, debt repayment, FTA, fisheries & aquaculture, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia and UPI in the presence of PM @narendramodi and President @MMuizzu today in Male," External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X. Confirming the development, the President's Office of the Maldives stated, "President witnesses exchange of key MoUs and agreements between the Maldives and India." The exchange of agreements set the tone for high-level discussions that followed, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu took stock of the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', with the Prime Minister reiterating India's commitment to deepening bilateral ties under its "Neighbourhood First" and Vision MAHASAGAR policies. PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Maldives, met President Muizzu at the President's Office in Male. President Muizzu appreciated India's commitment of being the First Responder for Maldives when it came to dealing with any crises. The two leaders discussed cooperation in the fields of development partnership, infrastructure support, capacity building, climate action and health. They also called for further strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation and, in this regard, noted the collaboration between the two countries under the Colombo Security Conclave. The two leaders also reviewed the economic partnership between the two countries. Prime Minister underscored that the proposed Free Trade Agreement and the Bilateral Investment Treaty would open new opportunities for both sides. Noting that the two countries must take advantage of the digital economy, especially to promote tourism, he welcomed the recent understandings on UPI adoption, acceptance of RUPAY card and trade in local currencies. The two leaders highlighted that the close development partnership between the countries was adding new value to the already strong people-to-people ties. The two leaders noted that, as Global South partners, they would continue to work on issues such as climate change, promotion of renewable energy, disaster risk reduction and weather science in the interests of the planet and its people. Prime Minister thanked President Muizzu for his strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, and the solidarity extended to India in the fight against terrorism. The two leaders witnessed exchange of six MOUs in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia and concessional Line of Credit. The new Line of Credit offers Rupees 4850 crores [ approx $550 million] in support of infrastructure development and other activities in Maldives. An Amendatory Agreement for the existing LoCs was also exchanged. It reduces Maldives's annual debt repayment obligations by 40% [from $51 million to 29 million]. Both sides also exchanged Terms of Reference of the proposed Free Trade Agreement. The two leaders also virtually inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu city and six High Impact Community Development Projects in other cities. Prime Minister handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles for Maldives National Defence Force and Immigration authorities. Prime Minister also handed over two units of Aarogya Maitri Health Cube [BHISHM] sets to the Government of Maldives. With state-of-the-art medical equipment as part of the cube, it can provide medical aid to 200 casualties with in-built support to sustain a crew of six medical personnel for up to 72 hours. In keeping with their deep commitment to conserving nature, the two leaders planted mango saplings as part of India's "Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam" [Plant for Mother] and Maldives's "Pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation" campaigns. Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to support Maldives and its people, as per its requirements and priorities, and for the peace, progress and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region. Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister was received by President Muizzu and accorded a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square. The meeting was marked by warmth and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. Prime Minister expressed heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation and conveyed his best wishes on the historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Maldives as also on the special occasion of the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The two leaders reflected on the deep bonds of friendship and trust that have been built over centuries, strengthened by strong people-to-people ties. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Career setbacks cited in S'pore survey of people seeking fertility help
SINGAPORE – Some 41 per cent of respondents who struggled to conceive said in a poll that fertility treatment affected their work, with 13 per cent saying they quit their jobs to undergo such treatment. Top workplace challenges cited were seeking approval for time off (34 per cent), career progression setbacks (31 per cent) and getting their colleagues' understanding (15 per cent). These findings come from a sensing poll in June by non-profit initiative Fertility Support Singapore, which surveyed 504 of its members – 80 per cent women and 20 per cent men – who have faced fertility struggles. The poll aims to shed light on the workplace experiences of those facing infertility, defined as an inability to conceive after 12 months of trying. Results were released on July 25 at an event hosted by Fertility Support Singapore to mark World IVF Day. The demand for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment in Singapore has grown, with more couples delaying marriage and childbirth, and seeking medical help to have a baby. Giving a speech at the event, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, called for more companies to provide fertility benefits such as paid time off and training for managers, so that employees can pursue both personal and work commitments. 'You have the power to create workplaces where employees feel seen, heard and supported, and where talent feel cherished and stand ready to give their all in return to support your business needs. That is a win-win outcome,' she said. Ms Indranee, who assists in overseeing the National Population and Talent Division, including the marriage and parenthood portfolio, said the Government has provided 75 per cent co-funding for eligible couples to receive assisted reproduction technology treatments for up to three fresh and three frozen cycles at public healthcare institutions. Fertility Support Singapore was started in 2020 by a group of women facing infertility, to advocate for better support for individuals navigating challenges here. On July 25, the group launched a Workplace Fertility Support Guide to help companies better support employees. The guide provides practical tools such as an e-mail template for those going through fertility treatments to raise the matter to bosses, the typical IVF timeline and medical leave required, and tips on how to talk to colleagues undergoing treatment. The guide can be found at To understand the barriers to fertility support in the workplace, Fertility Support Singapore partnered with market research firm Milieu Insight to conduct a study in March with 400 Singaporeans aged 25 to 55. The survey found public awareness to be lacking, with 62 per cent not knowing what fertility support is. Some 77 per cent of respondents perceive a trade-off between work and pursuing such treatments. Nearly 60 per cent of people would be interested in joining a new employer that offers fertility benefits, results showed. Only 27 per cent said their companies provided some form of fertility benefits, such as flexible work hours to attend appointments, and paid or unpaid leave for treatment. Ms Rosalyn Wee and her husband sought help from a fertility specialist after a year of trying to conceive. The educational therapist and project lead, who underwent IVF, did not tell her boss as she felt fertility treatments were personal. 'It doesn't really occur to you how painful emotionally and physically discomfiting it is, until you actually go through it,' she said. Her first embryo transfer ended in failure. The news came while she was in an important meeting. 'That really broke me,' she said. She decided to open up to her bosses, who offered both paid and unpaid leave for treatment. After taking 10 weeks of no-pay leave for another IVF cycle, Ms Wee successfully conceived in August 2023. Another mum, Mrs Rafidah Jalil, 39, had just been promoted and was managing a team at a bank when she decided to start a family at 31. Her first IVF cycle was successful. At 34, she tried IVF again but felt more stress due to greater work responsibilities and a lower egg count. But her bosses were supportive, and she could work flexibly, which helped her through the process. She is now a proud mum of a seven-year-old son and four-year-old boy-girl twins. Global healthcare company Merck, which sponsored the Fertility Support Singapore study, offers a lifetime cap of €100,000 (S$150,234) for fertility treatments, including IVF, elective egg freezing and male infertility treatments. Employees can get 90 per cent of their eligible fertility expenses reimbursed by the company. Ms Pixie Yee, general manager of Merck Healthcare Malaysia and Singapore, said the company has seen 79 claims amounting to $160,000 since the benefit was introduced in March 2024. Merck has 429 employees in Singapore. Ms Yee said she hopes to create a safe space where employees feel comfortable to tell their bosses about their fertility journey, to avoid any misunderstandings. 'Most people, when they have a very supportive manager, they will share,' she added. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
