Industry Minister Joly sees role for automakers in boosting Canada's defence capacity
Canada's auto-making sector can play a key role in the federal government's $9.3-billion plan to bolster the country's defence, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that Canada would fulfill its NATO commitment of spending 2 per cent of gross domestic product on its military in this fiscal year.
Ms. Joly, speaking at an automotive industry conference Tuesday, said the sector, battered by U.S. tariffs, could use its manufacturing muscle to help Canada reach its defence goals.
'We are in a wartime cabinet right now,' Ms. Joly told reporters at the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association's annual meeting. 'We must build our defence capacity.'
Ms. Joly did not provide specifics but said she will have talks with various industries, including autos, steel, aluminum and artificial intelligence. She pointed to General Motors' Oshawa operations, which have made military vehicles based on existing truck platforms.
'We know the Canadian Armed Forces need more vehicles and need to be protected better,' she said.
'We will build through our defence investments. That means more than $9-billion, and that includes investment in our industrial defence capacity, and that in turn could help the auto sector.'
Carney lays out defence boost, says era of U.S. dominance over
Flavio Volpe, president of APMA, said defence spending is welcome but is no substitute for the passenger-vehicle manufacturing that has sustained the domestic sector for more than 100 years.
Military manufacturing involves different engineering tolerances, regulations and markets, he said.
'Good that we are thinking about it. I think we need to be creative and figure out how we feed into that, but it's not a replacement,' Mr. Volpe said.
The day-long conference gave industry representatives an opportunity to hear from political and business leaders amid a tariff war with the United States that has already cost thousands of jobs and threatened the Canadian auto sector.
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed 25-per-cent tariffs on the non-U.S. content in Canadian- and Mexican-made cars.
Canadian auto parts have been spared the tariff applied to Canadian-assembled cars.
Rob Wildeboer, executive chair of parts maker Martinrea International Inc., told the conference how he helped Trump advisers at the White House understand that duties on parts would quickly shut down the industry across North America, as suppliers would refuse to make money-losing components. It was a message they were not hearing from the U.S. industry for fear of reprisals, Mr. Wildeboer said.
Still, the suppliers rely on Ontario's assembly plants for about half their sales.
'We got the tariffs off parts. We got to do it on cars,' Mr. Volpe said.
Industry Minister Joly signals action on steel dumping into Canada coming
The trade tensions come amid falling North American car sales and production, said Joe McCabe of AutoForecast Solutions, a Pennsylvania-based consultancy.
Even before the tariff war, Ontario's auto plants owned by the Detroit Three faced uncertain futures: idled and awaiting new vehicles, making niche-market minivans and muscle cars, or operating under capacity.
The tariffs have amplified those risks, Mr. McCabe said in an interview on the sidelines of the conference.
Ontario's plants have been hit by layoffs and production cuts this year as automakers delay new models and extend the life of existing ones, trying to buy time while gauging the tariffs' effect on production and sales.
For parts makers and their customers, this has meant a freeze in new investments, illustrated by Honda Canada's recent move to postpone its $15-billion EV project in Ontario. 'There's no question there is a chill,' said Vic Fedeli, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development.
Mr. McCabe said automakers will pass on the tariffs to buyers of luxury models, eat them at the low end and share the cost with consumers on mid-priced autos.
Victor Dodig, CEO of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, said the tariffs have put Canada in a 'war-footing' economic state that will mean uncertainty for 10 or 15 years.
He said Canada will get through the tough times, but faces a changed world.
'It's not going to be like it was before,' he said. 'It's going to be different.'
Still, he said, the U.S. will remain Canada's largest trading partner, likely forever.
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Globe and Mail
24 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
From Exploration to Execution: New Gold Player Emerges in One of Canada's Premier Mining Districts
NEW YORK , June 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Gold's meteoric rally, fueled by waning confidence in U.S. fiscal policy and soaring inflation, has not only pushed prices past the historic US$3,300 per ounce mark in early 2025 but also opened the door to even more ambitious forecasts. Some analysts now predict a climb to US$4,000 within the next 12 to 18 months. With this in mind, gold-focused equities and Canadian gold producers are gaining renewed attention for offering high leverage to rising bullion prices within a stable jurisdiction known for quality deposits and operational reliability. Among these, LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) ( LaFleur Profile) stands out with its fully permitted gold mill situated in Canada's most prolific gold-producing region — a combination that aligns perfectly with today's market demands, providing investors both near-term production potential and exposure to the upside of surging gold. LaFleur Minerals is laser focused on positioning itself as a strong contender in a space known for quality gold-mining operations, including Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) (TSX:ABX), Royal Gold (NASDAQ: RGLD), Nicola Mining (TSXV: NIM) (OTCQB: HUSIF ) and ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF). Gold-focused stocks, particularly those tied to Canadian producers, are drawing fresh interest for their strong leverage to rising gold prices and their presence in a secure, resource-rich jurisdiction known for dependable operations. LaFleur Minerals is an emerging near-term producer strategically positioned in Québec's prolific Abitibi Gold Belt — Canada's largest gold-producing region. The company is gaining attention in the junior gold space due to its Swanson Gold Project, which hosts the advanced resource-stage Swanson gold deposit. LaFleur Minerals is on the cusp of transforming its operational footprint with the restart of the fully refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill and producing gold at Canadian dollar costs. Click here to view the custom infographic of the LaFleur Minerals editorial. A Dramatic Rise Driven by declining trust in U.S. fiscal policy and rising inflation, gold's rapid ascent has propelled prices up to US$3,200 per ounce level as of early 2025, and many believe this is just the beginning. Projections now suggest gold could reach US$4,000 soon. The dramatic rise from US$2,500 to US$3,000 in only 210 days, marking the fastest increase of its kind on record ( highlights the strength and momentum behind the ongoing gold rally. Leading financial institutions are raising their gold price projections, with Goldman Sachs forecasting a rise to US$3,700 by the end of 2025 and reaching US$4,000 by mid-2026 ( JPMorgan is also predicting gold will hit the US$4,000 mark, attributing this expected increase to strong central bank demand, which is averaging approximately 710 tonnes in net purchases each quarter ( With this in mind, gold-focused stocks — particularly those tied to Canadian producers — are drawing fresh interest for their strong leverage to rising gold prices and their presence in a secure, resource-rich jurisdiction known for dependable operations. Standing out among these producers is LaFleur Minerals, which owns the fully permitted and recently refurbished Beacon Gold Mill located in Canada's most productive gold region and mining town. This strategic positioning offers investors a compelling mix of near-term production readiness and exposure to the continued upside of a bullish gold market. From Explorer to Producer LaFleur Minerals is an emerging near-term producer strategically positioned in Québec's prolific Abitibi Gold Belt. With 100%-owned assets and a focus on near-term cash flow, LaFleur is advancing its flagship Swanson Gold Deposit, an advanced resource-stage property with more than 36,000 meters of historical drilling and strong development potential. In addition, a key component to LaFleur's near-term production strategy is its fully permitted and recently acquired Beacon Gold Mill. The mill is located just 50 kilometers from the Swanson Project. Purchased in 2024 following approximately US$20 million in upgrades by its previous owner, the Beacon Mill has a processing capacity of more than 750 tonnes per day and is being prepared for restart by the end of this year. The mill positions LaFleur to not only process its own ore from its Swanson Gold Project but also generate revenue through custom milling of nearby gold deposits, which the region is flush with. This vertical integration marks a significant shift for LaFleur, from an explorer to a near-term gold producer in a tier 1 mining jurisdiction with considerable upside potential. Drilling and Permitting LaFleur Minerals is quickly gaining attention in the junior gold space due to its Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson deposit hosts an NI 43–101-compliant resource of 2.113 million tonnes at 1.8 g/t gold, containing 123,400 ounces in the Indicated category, plus 872,000 tonnes at 2.3 g/t gold for 64,500 ounces in the Inferred category ( These figures represent an 8% increase in Indicated ounces and a remarkable 626% increase in Inferred ounces compared to past estimates, highlighting the property's compelling upside. Looking ahead, LaFleur will launch a significant diamond drilling campaign in Q3 2025, comprising a minimum of 5,000 meters of diamond drilling at several promising gold targets at the Swanson Gold Project with the goal to increase resources to more than one million ounces of gold. In parallel, LaFleur has commenced permitting for a substantial 100,000–tonne surface bulk sample from the Swanson gold deposit, averaging an estimated grade of 1.89 g/t gold, which can be concentrated to higher grade for shipping and milling economics, equating to roughly 6,350 ounces, or about 3% of the current resource ( With samples being processed at the nearby Beacon Mill, this initiative is aimed at generating early cash flow, delivering vital metallurgical data and advancing the project's economic evaluation ( Near–Term Gold Production LaFleur Minerals is on the cusp of transforming its operational footprint with the restart of the fully refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill near Val–d'Or, Québec. Purchased from Monarch Mining under Canada's CCAA process in late 2024, this strategically located processing plant differentiates LaFleur by allowing the company to process its own Swanson Gold Project material and deliver custom milling services to nearby deposits ( The Beacon Mill is nestled within the Abitibi Gold Belt in Val-d'Or, Quebec , which hosts more than 100 historical and active mines in close proximity ( The mill's location positions it perfectly for efficient ore transport, enabling LaFleur to fast–track bulk sample processing and full-scale ore milling, which is especially vital as the company advances toward bulk sample permitting and eventual mining at Swanson , with intent to generate meaningful cash flow by year-end into 2026. Acquired through an arm's length asset purchase agreement, the transaction was financed with CA$250,000 in cash and CA$850,000 in equity, with court approval received in October 2024 . Monarch had suspended operations in September 2022 , when gold traded in the CA$1,800/ounce range, maintaining the mill in care and maintenance after contributing CA$20 million in restoration. The facility features a Merrill-Crowe cyanidation circuit, a 27.5 m × 69 m processing building, extensive water and tailings basins, and robust electrics driven by a 4,000 kVA transformer. In early 2025, LaFleur initiated a detailed restart program using ABF Mines and environmental consultants to conduct site inspections, develop a parts inventory and complete geotechnical and tailings storage facility assessments; the company plans to return the mill to full operation by early 2026 ( Restart costs are expected to be in the CA$5–6 million range over a six- to eight–month period, with an aim to begin processing mineralized content by the end of 2025 and generating initial annual production of up to 30,000 ounces ( This path to production highlights the low-risk, low-restart cost factor and immense upside potential as the LaFleur pivots years ahead of other players in the region. The timing could not be better. With gold prices reaching US$3,200 /oz, the economics of near–term production are compelling. This asset gives LaFleur a competitive head start, potentially placing it at least five years ahead of peers still in exploration mode. The Beacon Mill metamorphoses LaFleur into a producer, offering a pathway to revenue, regional cooperation through custom milling agreements and derisked operational scaling. In addition to processing bulk sample material, the mill's capacity opens doors to third-party contracts. This potential stream of incremental revenue would not only improve cash flow but also enhance relationships with nearby exploration companies and communities. From an investor's standpoint, the strategic value of Beacon seems clear. The facility offers economies of scale, redevelopment of an existing asset and immediate scalability without the typical delays associated with permitting greenfield mill sites. It also complements the Swanson resource. The interconnection of project and mill underscores a vertically integrated model that enhances project economics and puts the company on a production trajectory in a tier 1 jurisdiction. In addition, having a fully permitted Beacon Gold Mill offers LaFleur an amazing opportunity to expand the Beacon Gold Mill to higher capacity using cash flow from current gold production without having to go through the permitting processes that any new mill would require, involving three to five years in permitting processes and costs. Integrated Strategy, Key Transition LaFleur's clear timeline — from asset closing in October 2024 to restart planning and permitting in Q1–Q2 2025, toward anticipated production in early 2026 — reflects a highly structured execution strategy that positions the company as a potential near-term gold producer with robust upside. LaFleur's methodical approach aligns with its broader strategy: blend resource growth via systematic drilling with infrastructure-led delivery through an adjacent mill. Ongoing exploration, including airborne geophysics, IP surveys and geochemical sampling, has also identified more than 50 new drill targets, laying groundwork for resource expansion. This integrated strategy positions LaFleur to make the key transition from explorer to producer. By mid–2025, the company aims to process the Swanson bulk sample at Beacon and commence mill restart, generating initial revenues and funding further development. Once full-scale operations begin, production could yield over 30,000–40,000 ounces per annum, given the mill's capacity ( In today's gold market, which is marked by elevated prices and investor focus on low-risk jurisdictions, LaFleur stands out for its balance of scalability, infrastructure and sustainability. Its dual promise of exploration upside and near-term value capture via bulk sampling and mill access makes it appealing to investors seeking exposure to a responsibly managed and strategically advanced gold project. Quality Gold Operations As gold prices continue their historic rally and investor interest intensifies, leading companies across the mining sector are making bold moves to capitalize on favorable market conditions. From global producers ramping up output to royalty firms securing high-potential assets and juniors advancing exploration and development, these gold-focused entities are strategically positioned to deliver value. Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) (TSX:ABX) is advancing its global portfolio of gold assets ( The company reported that its gold production of 758,000 ounces was "at the top end of guidance," with the "the average realized gold price for the quarter of $2,898 per ounce, up 40% from the prior year, support[ing] stronger margins despite ongoing expansion work at Pueblo Viejo and planned maintenance at Nevada Gold Mines — initiatives that will position both mines for a stronger output next quarter and the rest of the year." In addition, Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow noted that Barrick has significantly advanced several key growth projects. Royal Gold (NASDAQ: RGLD) is reporting that its wholly owned subsidiary, RGLD Gold AG, has entered into a gold purchase agreement and a separate net smelter return royalty agreement for all metals produced from the Warintza Project in southeastern Ecuador for total cash consideration of US$200 million ( Warintza is indirectly owned and operated by Solaris Resources Inc. The strategic acquisition of the stream and royalty will provide Royal Gold shareholders exposure to a world-class resource with long life and large-scale production potential as well as a project with an accelerated development timeline operated by an experienced team and significant long-term growth potential from large areas of interest. Nicola Mining (TSXV: NIM) (OTCQB: HUSIF) has received a multiyear, area-based exploration permit that allows the company to conduct extensive exploration on its wholly owned Treasure Mountain Silver Project, a fully permitted silver mine in British Columbia ( The company also has received a 10-year mining lease extension for Treasure Mountain under its M-239 permit. The extension, which is valid through April 26, 2032 , and receipt of the MYAB permit positions the company to leverage both mining and exploration options. Treasure Mountain consists of an historic underground silver mine with a resource estimate in accordance with CIM definition standards and exploration upside to the north and west of the historic mine. ESGold (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) a fully permitted, preproduction gold and silver company, is reporting that with concentrate testing underway, Humphrey Spirals installed, and major data releases imminent, the company is entering a pivotal month of execution ( With construction now steadily advancing, the company confirms the successful installation of the Humphrey Spirals, which is a core component of the gravity separation circuit that will be used to process historical tailings and recover gold, silver and mica concentrate at its Montauban location. "This milestone establishes the foundation for the plant's initial production throughput, with equipment capable of supporting up to 1,000 tonnes per day (TPD)," the company stated. These developments reflect the strength and adaptability of the gold mining sector as companies at every stage and level — from exploration to production — take decisive steps to expand resources, enhance operational capacity and position themselves for long-term growth. With gold prices holding near record highs, these strategic advancements underscore the sector's readiness to capitalize on the current market and deliver continued value to shareholders. For more information about LaFleur Minerals, visit LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) About NetworkNewsWire NetworkNewsWire ("NNW") is a specialized communications platform with a focus on financial news and content distribution for private and public companies and the investment community. 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National Post
25 minutes ago
- National Post
Samsara Announces 2025 North America Customer Advisory Board to Accelerate AI-Powered Safety and Efficiency Breakthroughs
Article content Members play a pivotal role in shaping Samsara solutions; meeting to be held today at the premier event for physical operations, Samsara Beyond Article content SAN DIEGO — Samsara Inc. ('Samsara') (NYSE: IOT), the pioneer of the Connected Operations ® Platform, today announced its 2025 North America Customer Advisory Board. Its members are at the forefront of the world's most complex operations, managing vast frontline workforces and asset portfolios, and are responsible for significant economic value. Recognizing the transformative impact of Samsara's AI-powered platform, these leaders have joined forces to help shape Samsara's product roadmap and to exchange insights for safer, more efficient, and sustainable operations for all. Article content 'I've seen firsthand the impact Samsara's platform has made on the industry, and I'm excited to play a role in what's to come,' said Jeff Wright, Vice President of Transportation at Quikrete. 'At Quikrete, we manage complex operations that greatly benefit from Samsara's real-time data. With AI's potential only growing in operations, this is an important moment to partner and drive innovation.' Article content The distinguished members of Samsara's 2025 North America Customer Advisory Board include leaders from organizations such as: Article content ArcBest, Don Davis, Vice President, Fleet Services Artera, Adam Lanier, Chief Safety Officer AWP Safety, Jarrod Wachter, Chief Operating Officer BNSF Railway, Matthew Igoe, Executive Vice President, Operations DHL Express, Fred Matthews, Senior Project Manager, Safety Programs DHL Supply Chain, Jennifer Miller, Vice President, Integrated Transportation Estes, Todd Florence, Chief Information Officer Ferrellgas, Tamria Zertuche, President and Chief Executive Officer First Student, Sean McCormack, Chief Information Officer Frontier Communications, Doug Spurlin, Senior Director, Operations Liberty Energy, Michael Tuomi, Director, HSE and Training MacAllister, Bill Dollard, Director, Corporate Fleet Martin Marietta, Greg Lahrman, Vice President, Enterprise Excellence Maxim Crane Works, Dennis Collins, Vice President, Operations Mohawk Industries, Andy Yearout, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain NiSource, Bill Jefferson, Chief Operations Officer Nutrien Ag Solutions, Adam Lorenz, Senior Director, Fleet and Procurement Operations Performance Food Group, Thomas Olitsky, Vice President, Safety Pike, James Banner, Senior Vice President, Administration and Safety Primoris, Eric Amlee, Vice President, Fleet Operations PS Logistics, Mauricio Paredes, Vice President, Technology Quikrete, Jeff Wright, Vice President, Transportation Republic Services, Brett Rogers, Vice President, Operations Technology Saia, Rohit Lal, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Southeastern Freight Lines, Kerry Stritt, Vice President, Fleet Services Southern California Edison, Karan Kumar, Director, Transportation Services Sysco, Kevin Thomas, Vice President, Global EHSS and Asset Protection Tyson Foods, Phil Vanhook, Managing Director, Transportation Operations UNFI, Tehzin Chadwick, Senior Vice President, Safety UniFirst, Matt Croatti, Senior Vice President, Operations Univar Solutions, Rob McRae, Vice President, Transportation USIC, Tom Karnowski, Vice President, EHS XPO, Greg Pawelski, Vice President, Health and Safety Article content Samsara's platform is advanced by the direct input of its Customer Advisory Board, ensuring its products meet the evolving needs of physical operations. Leaders' insights have shaped innovations like Recognition, a feature that uses AI insights and real-time driver data to identify and celebrate outcomes like safe driving streaks and consistent compliance with regulations. In addition, they've influenced the Asset Tag, a small ruggedized tracker that helps customers find lost or stolen assets, reduce downtime, and streamline inventory management. Article content 'Being on Samsara's Customer Advisory Board has been incredibly valuable because we get to collaborate with other industry leaders and quickly see the results of our product feedback,' said James Banner, Senior Vice President of Administration and Safety at Pike. 'It's a unique opportunity to shape products that transform the way we operate. The Asset Tag is a prime example: we advised on use cases and the product has now reduced theft and improved efficiency for Pike and many others.' Article content Samsara's commitment to building market-leading technology and fostering a collaborative community is foundational to its mission. Its Customer Advisory Board is just one example that demonstrates this, others include Samsara User Groups, Samsara Spark, and Samsara Beyond. Samsara's forums create a space where the industry can connect, share their most pressing challenges, exchange ideas, and spark innovation. These moments drive real-world outcomes and operational excellence. Another popular program, Samsara Professional Credentials, celebrates the expertise of individuals who complete tailored learning experiences through the Samsara Academy. Samsara is proud to help the industry solve complex challenges with technology and community. Article content 'With all the changes AI is bringing to physical operations, the partnership between industry leaders and technology innovators has never been more important,' said Kiren Sekar, Chief Product Officer at Samsara. 'Our advisory board isn't just about adapting to change, but actively shaping the future of this industry and making a lasting impact, together.' Article content Samsara (NYSE: IOT) is the pioneer of the Connected Operations ® Platform, which enables organizations that depend on physical operations to harness Internet of Things (IoT) data to develop actionable insights and improve their operations. With tens of thousands of customers across North America and Europe, Samsara is a proud technology partner to the people who keep our global economy running, including the world's leading organizations across construction, transportation and warehousing, field services, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and the public sector. The company's mission is to increase the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the operations that power the global economy. Article content Article content Article content
Globe and Mail
25 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Botpress Raises $25M Series B to Scale AI Agent Infrastructure
MONTREAL, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Botpress, a platform for building and deploying AI agents, today announced it has raised $25 million USD in Series B funding. The round was led by FRAMEWORK with participation from Inovia Capital, Deloitte Ventures, HubSpot Ventures, Decibel, and existing investors. The new capital will enable Botpress to accelerate platform development, expand global customer support, and scale the company's engineering and go-to-market teams from its headquarters in Quebec. 'Botpress is a powerful end-to-end agentic AI platform built for production at scale,' said Jim Texier, Partner & CTO at FRAMEWORK. 'In a world moving rapidly toward autonomous, LLM-native systems, Botpress empowers builders to create, deploy and monitor intelligent agents and conversational AI. I believe this is the future of Human-AI and AI-AI interactions — and Botpress is leading it.' Solving AI Agent Infrastructure Botpress was founded to address the infrastructure challenges that prevent most companies from moving AI agents into production. While large language models have unlocked new capabilities in reasoning and language understanding, deploying reliable agents still requires significant supporting infrastructure. 'AI agents will replace entire categories of software over the next decade, but most of the infrastructure required to run these agents safely at scale is still missing,' said founder and CEO Sylvain Perron. 'We've spent the last several years building that missing infrastructure layer so companies can run real agents in production today, not just prototypes.' 'Deloitte Ventures was impressed with the Botpress team's agility to deliver an automation offering that unlocks the power of AI through customizable agentic workflows,' says Jon Wolkin, Managing Director at Deloitte Ventures. 'Our investment in this technology aligns with Deloitte's focus and capabilities in servicing clients' emerging needs to scale quickly with agentic AI solutions.' Rapid Growth Driven by Production Deployments Since launching its cloud platform in 2023, Botpress has seen strong growth in both customer adoption and production deployments. The company's revenue has grown significantly over multiple consecutive quarters, with thousands of customers now running live agents across industries including customer support, fintech, IT services, consumer technology, and more. "We're excited about how Botpress helps businesses move from experimenting with AI agents to actually deploying them," said Adam Coccari, Managing Director at HubSpot Ventures. "Many companies can build agent prototypes, but getting them to work reliably with existing business systems is where most efforts stall. Botpress has built the infrastructure and connections that bridge this gap, and their integration with HubSpot enables our customers to deploy agents that easily connect with their CRM and existing workflows." About Botpress Botpress is a platform for building and deploying AI agents. Founded in Quebec, Canada, Botpress provides the infrastructure layer that allows companies to deploy autonomous agents safely, reliably, and at scale. Start building today at A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
