Latest news with #Calgary-based
Hamilton Spectator
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Natalie Sue wins Leacock Medal for Humour for novel ‘I Hope This Finds You Well'
Natalie Sue's debut novel 'I Hope This Finds You Well' has won this year's Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. The $25,000 award is given to the best Canadian book of literary humour published in the previous year. The novel follows the story of an office worker in her early thirties who one day stumbles upon all of her colleagues' private emails and decides to use their gossip to help save her job. 'I Hope This Finds You Well' was published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. Sue is a Calgary-based author of Iranian and British descent who spent her early years living in western Canada. Runners-up, who received $5,000 each, were Greg Kearney for 'An Evening With Birdy O'Day,' about an aging hairstylist who lost connection with his childhood best friend when he left to pursue a pop music career, and Patricia J. Parsons for 'We Came From Away: That Summer on the Rock,' which follows one woman's attempt to reconnect her family with Newfoundland. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Natalie Sue wins Leacock Medal for Humour for novel ‘I Hope This Finds You Well'
Natalie Sue's debut novel 'I Hope This Finds You Well' has won this year's Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. The $25,000 award is given to the best Canadian book of literary humour published in the previous year. The novel follows the story of an office worker in her early thirties who one day stumbles upon all of her colleagues' private emails and decides to use their gossip to help save her job. 'I Hope This Finds You Well' was published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. Sue is a Calgary-based author of Iranian and British descent who spent her early years living in western Canada. Runners-up, who received $5,000 each, were Greg Kearney for 'An Evening With Birdy O'Day,' about an aging hairstylist who lost connection with his childhood best friend when he left to pursue a pop music career, and Patricia J. Parsons for 'We Came From Away: That Summer on the Rock,' which follows one woman's attempt to reconnect her family with Newfoundland. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2025.
3 days ago
- Business
Competition watchdog calls for relaxed foreign ownership rules in airline industry report
The Competition Bureau is calling for changes to improve the competitive landscape in Canada's airline industry, including loosening rules that currently limit foreign ownership of Canadian airlines. The watchdog, in a 117-page market study published Thursday, reiterated that Canada's airline industry is highly concentrated with two major carriers — Air Canada and WestJet — dominating the domestic market. Those airlines are competing less directly with each other than they did six years ago, the report said, with WestJet serving fewer domestic fliers at eastern airports, and Air Canada serving fewer domestic fliers at western airports. More competition would lead to lower fares and a higher quality of service, while improved transparency around prices would help travellers make more informed decisions when shopping for flights, the agency said. Enlarge image (new window) Airline share of 2023 domestic passengers in Canada. Photo: Competition Bureau (CBC) Canada's existing limits on foreign ownership of airlines are also stifling competition, the watchdog said, and loosening those restrictions will make it easier for newer, smaller airlines to access finances from different sources. It recommended letting foreign companies take full ownership of Canadian airlines that only operate domestically, creating a new class of airline that will bring in global expertise and capital. The bureau also suggested letting individual international investors hold a larger share of voting interests in Canadian airlines, boosting the amount from 25 per cent to 49 per cent. John Gradek, a professor of aviation management at McGill University, said there's a price to pay if the government loosens rules around foreign ownership of carriers. The decisions that are going to be made by those carriers that have a significant influence by foreign [owners] may not be in the best interest of Canadians, he said. Boosting air travel capacity in remote areas The Competition Bureau noted that northern and remote communities face specific difficulties when it comes to air travel because it isn't cost-effective for most airlines to operate in regions serving smaller, more distant populations, and where air travel infrastructure is lacking. Canadians, especially those living in secondary markets, are underserved by the current state of the airline industry, said Gradek, adding that introducing and maintaining services in those markets — at a reasonable price — is a major challenge. WATCH | Why is it so expensive to fly within Canada?: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Why is it so much more expensive to travel by air in Canada? Calgary-based, low-cost airline Lynx Air has ceased operations, citing rising costs among reasons for the closure. McKenzie McMillan, a travel consultant with The Travel Group, tells BC Today host Michelle Eliot that Canadian airlines struggle more than their U.S. counterparts because fewer people travel longer distances between urban areas. If you live in Sault Ste. Marie, or you live in Medicine Hat, or you live in Yarmouth ... you're in trouble if you want to get on a flight. And it's going to cost you an arm and a leg to get anywhere in Canada, he said. The Competition Bureau is recommending that a national working group be established to focus on air transportation in remote regions. Overall, it made 10 recommendations to improve competition, including: Removing clauses that only let one airport in a local area offer international flights. Improving public access to airline industry data, like information on airline quality. Reviewing how airports are managed and funded. It also suggested limiting the Transport Minister's power to override certain parts of the merger process between airlines. CBC News has reached out to the ministry for a statement. The success of smaller airlines Porter and Flair are improving the playing field, according to the report. Air Canada and WestJet have both faced increased competition from at least one of these smaller carriers since 2019, it said. However, the history of airline entries and exits suggests that these competitive gains remain fragile, especially during economic shocks, the bureau cautioned. CBC News has contacted WestJet and Air Canada for a response. The issues plaguing Canada's airline industry The Competition Bureau launched its study last July and called on Canadians to contact the agency and share their opinions. Air Canada and WestJet were ordered by a federal court last fall to hand over information for the market study. For years (new window) , consumer advocates and industry experts have shared concerns that the airline industry suffers from a serious lack of competition, with some saying that Air Canada and WestJet's dominance amounts to (new window) a duopoly. Some travellers have also expressed frustration (new window) over the high cost of domestic airfare, with additional fees and surcharges bloating the cost of a ticket beyond the base fare. And dissatisfied fliers have made a record-number of complaints about the state of air travel in recent years, with the backlog (new window) having hit a new peak last spring. Meanwhile, many of the country's smaller discount airlines have folded or filed for bankruptcy — including Lynx Air and Canada JetLines — and newer airlines have failed to take off, such as WestJet-owned Swoop, which was ultimately folded into its parent company's primary operations. Jenna Benchetrit (new window) · CBC News
Cision Canada
3 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Modular Solutions Closes Financing Round to Drive Innovation in the Insurance Industry
CALGARY, AB, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Tailwind Ventures is pleased to announce that their Calgary-based client Modular Solutions ("Modular" or the "Company") has successfully closed a financing round from a strategic industry partner and a syndicate of private investors, facilitated by Tailwind Ventures. Modular Solutions, a leading provider of configurable insurance software, will use the funding to optimize and streamline client onboarding and implementation, advance platform enhancements, and invest in artificial intelligence to deliver even greater value to customers across the insurance industry. Modular Solutions provides next-gen insurance SaaS technology that enables providers to break free from archaic, siloed legacy software, enabling improved operational efficiency, financial performance, and customer experience. Modular's platform is purpose-built to empower insurers and brokers with technology that is responsive to a competitive industry, transforming workflows and automating critical and time-consuming operations. "This capital raise marks a pivotal moment for Modular," said Braden Bosch, Founder and CEO of Modular Solutions. "We have brought an innovative software solution to the market, and with this investment, we can ensure low total cost of ownership and affordability while continuing to optimize and enhance our offering even further." "Tailwind is delighted to have supported Modular in securing this financing. Braden and the team at Modular are building transformative solutions for an industry in desperate need of innovation, and our capital partners share our conviction that Modular will deliver," said Darren Engels, Tailwind Ventures CEO. Engels added "Tailwind is committed to its purpose of diligently preparing companies to scale and attract capital so they can create impact and value. Tailwind applies a proprietary, holistic and structured approach that we call diligent preparedness to build a better business. Better businesses go on to withstand the scrutiny of due diligence, secure capital, and generate returns for shareholders." Cody Church, Director of Clear North Capital, shared his enthusiasm regarding the investment, stating, "We were honoured to invest in Modular and are excited to watch the evolution of the Company. Braden was very strategic in his investment partners, all of which are local high net worth individuals and venture firms that bring a lot of strategic value to the business." This network of investors not only reinforces the Company's vision but ensures a collaborative approach to driving growth and innovation in the insurance industry. Modular's capital raise represented the fifth largest seed stage financing for Insurtech companies in North America, while also achieving the second highest pre-money valuation. 1 It is a credit to Braden Bosch and the Modular Solutions team for their dedication to being diligently prepared and to creating impact and value for their investors. Bosch remains the majority shareholder of Modular Solutions and remains committed to the Company's vision: enabling the best insurance experience in the world. About Modular Solutions Founded in 2015, Modular Solutions has been delivering innovative technology to the insurance industry. Their modular, fully integrated platform enables insurers, mutuals, MGAs and brokers with programs with the ability to manage their entire operations seamlessly through a single software solution. Designed to be affordable and configurable, their platform empowers businesses to innovate, adapt and thrive in an evolving and competitive market. Modular Solutions is based in Calgary, Canada. For more information about Modular Solutions, visit About Tailwind Ventures Tailwind Ventures empowers early- and growth-stage companies to withstand the scrutiny of due diligence and secure capital. Tailwind's diligent preparedness process enables ventures to build stronger businesses and improve the risk-reward relationship for ventures and investors. Tailwind Ventures has raised over C$370 million for clients since 2022. Tailwind is based in Calgary, Canada. For more information about Tailwind Ventures, visit Forward-looking statements Certain statements contained in this press release relate to future events, conditions, or outcomes with respect to Modular's business, its customers, technology, and the broader tech industry. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements and are often, but not always, identified using words such as "believes", "seek", "plan", "expect" and similar expressions.
Global News
4 days ago
- Health
- Global News
U.S. expected to change daily alcohol intake guidelines: sources
U.S. Dietary Guidelines are expected to eliminate the long-standing recommendation that adults limit alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per day, according to three sources familiar with the matter, in what could be a major win for an industry threatened by heightened scrutiny of alcohol's health effects. The updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which could be released as early as this month, are expected to include a brief statement encouraging Americans to drink in moderation or limit alcohol intake due to associated health risks, the sources said. The guidelines are still under development and subject to change, two of the sources and a fourth individual familiar with the process said. Currently, the recommendations advise limiting drinking to one serving or less per day for women and two or less for men, widely seen as a moderate level. Story continues below advertisement Similar guidelines exist in countries such as the United Kingdom, which advises limiting drinking to 14 units per week, while Canada, however, has adopted a more cautious stance, warning that health risks begin to increase after just two drinks per week. Even moderate drinking is linked to some health risks, such as higher risk of breast cancer, though some studies have also found an association with possible health benefits, such as a lower risk of stroke. 2:24 New Calgary-based beverage company aims to help people manage their alcoholic intake The fourth source said that the scientific basis for recommending specific daily limits is limited, and the goal is to ensure the guidelines reflect only the most robust evidence. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The new guidelines, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are closely watched internationally and influence policies ranging from school lunch programs to medical advice. Neither department responded to requests for comment. Story continues below advertisement Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known teetotaler, has remained largely silent on alcohol but has emphasized a focus on whole foods in the upcoming guidelines. Some alcohol executives had feared a move towards tighter recommendations on alcohol intake as authorities like the World Health Organization upped their warnings about alcohol's health risks. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said alcohol consumption increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer and called for warning labels on alcoholic drinks. Major industry players, including Diageo DGE.L and Anheuser-Busch InBev have lobbied lawmakers throughout the review process. Senate records show each company spent millions on lobbying efforts related to the guidelines and a range of other issues such as tax and trade in 2024 and 2025. Both companies declined to comment. The new guidelines are set to move away from suggesting consumers limit alcohol consumption to a specific number of daily servings, according to the three sources, who asked not to be named in order to speak freely. One person said the new alcohol-related recommendation will probably be limited to a sentence or two. Another said the existing numbers tied to moderate drinking could still appear in a longer appendix. While industry representatives have lobbied lawmakers on the guidelines or how they should be decided, some officials and researchers advocated for tighter restrictions. Story continues below advertisement Reports intended to inform the guidelines have meanwhile drawn different conclusions about alcohol's health effects and the science around this. General language likely 'unhelpful,' expert says The guidelines, which are reviewed every five years, have advised drinking in moderation and defined that as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two for men since 1990. Eva Greenthal, a senior policy scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a non-profit focused on nutrition, health and food safety, said the more general language expected in the guidelines was 'so vague as to be unhelpful.' Under such a change, the message that even moderate drinking can increase risks, especially for breast cancer, would get lost, she continued. 6:05 New guidelines on alcohol consumption for Canadians Two studies were produced to inform the development of the guidelines. The first found that moderate drinking was associated with increased risk of some cancers, but a decreased risk of dying from any cause and some cardiovascular problems like stroke. Story continues below advertisement The evidence for some other health impacts was insufficient to draw conclusions, it found. The other report conversely found the risk of dying from alcohol use, including increased risk for seven cancers, begins at any or low levels of alcohol use and increases with higher consumption. (Reporting by Emma Rumney in London and Jessica Di'Napoli in New York; editing by Caroline Humer and Louise Heavens)
